Galen to create 125 new jobs at Craigavon plant

One of Northern Ireland's leading pharmaceutical companies, Galen Holdings, is to create 125 new hi-tech jobs at its pharmaceutical headquarters in Craigavon, Co Armagh. The jobs are part of a £21.5 million sterling (€31.2 million) investment, which is being supported by the EU and the North's Industrial Development Board (IDB).

The company is expanding its production of antibiotics at Craigavon, creating 63 new jobs, with support of £8.3 million sterling from the IDB. An additional 40 jobs will be created at the group's SynGal division, through a £12 million sterling specialist drugs synthesis project backed by the EU and the Industrial Research Development Board.

In addition, 22 research posts are being created in a joint venture with Belfast's Queen's University's holding company, QUBIS. Galen Holdings, which is the majority shareholder, plans to invest £1.15 million sterling to establish QuChem Ltd. The IDB is backing the project.

The British Trade and Industry Secretary, Mr Stephen Byers, who said the expansion plan would enable the company to continue "making a growing contribution to the success of the UK's world leading pharmaceuticals industry", announced the investment. He said an "exciting element" of the expansion was the establishment of QuChem Ltd.

He added that since the company was established 30 years ago, it had expanded rapidly to employ 788 people. Exports now account for 35 per cent of its turnover and among its customers are 18 of the world's top 20 pharmaceuticals companies.

Galen founder, Dr Allan McClay, said the investment would allow the company to "win new international business and develop new products". The Craigavon group includes a number of healthcare divisions and manufactures a range of pharmaceutical products. It also provides specialist services to major multinational pharmaceutical companies.

The vice-chancellor of Queen's University in Belfast, Prof George Bain, said the investment was proof of the excellent links that Northern Ireland universities are developing with industry, producing positive results for graduates.