By Business & Finance Alexion Pharma International Trading, a subsidiary of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., today announced its plans to expand its operations in Ireland following the acquisition of a new site in West Dublin.
The company expects that this expansion will create approximately 200 new jobs at Alexion as part of an investment of approximately €75m in this new site over the next two years. In addition to the company jobs, up to 200 new construction jobs are also expected to be created as a result of this expansion.
With operations to serve patients in nearly 50 countries around the world, Alexion announced its decision to establish global supply chain and quality operations in Ireland in July 2013, and today the company currently employs more than 60 people at its first site in Park West.
In February 2014, Alexion announced plans to acquire a second site in Athlone to create an aseptic vial fill finish facility – further enhancing its presence in Ireland and creating additional highly-skilled jobs. With today’s announcement of Alexion’s plans for a third site, the company’s total job creation in Ireland is expected to rise to approximately 300 by 2016. Alexion has begun recruitment for the College Park posts to build on its existing workforce and capabilities in Ireland.
Speaking at today’s announcement, Leonard Bell MD, CEO of Alexion Pharmaceuticals stated: “As we expand our global mission to transform the lives of patients with severe and rare disorders, we are pleased to announce our commitment to Ireland as a key location for Alexion’s global supply chain operations. Our choice of Ireland reflects the calibre of the workforce and the country’s culture of innovation, and we look forward to an ongoing partnership with the Irish Government, IDA Ireland and local communities in the years to come.”
Welcoming the announcement today An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD who was guest of honour at the company announcement in Dublin, said: ”Today marks a significant commitment by Alexion to Ireland through the proposed construction of their new Global Supply Chain facility at College Park, Blanchardstown. Alexion’s intention to create 200 new jobs here on top of their already growing workforce is another vote of confidence in Ireland. The company was recognised by Forbes as the world’s second most innovative and I am delighted it has chosen to establish operations in the country that magazine recognised as the best in the world for business. As a Government, we are determined to deliver jobs and investment and today’s welcome announcement is another step in getting Ireland working again.”
Also present at the announcement was Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD who met senior executives from Alexion on a recent IDA mission to the US.
Headquartered in Cheshire, Connecticut (USA), Alexion is global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and delivery of life-transforming therapies for patients with severe and life-threatening rare disorders. Alexion has more than 1,800 dedicated employees worldwide and operations in place to serve patients in nearly 50 countries.
