Depuy Synthes, a manufacturer of orthopaedic products, is to create 80 new jobs at its manufacturing plant in Cork.

The move coincides with the officially opening of a new €53.2m expanded facility in Ringaskiddy.

Recruitment for the new positions , which are supported by IDA Ireland, is already underway.

The company currently employs 800 people at the site.

DePuy Synthes, which is a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, established a manufacturing facility in Ringaskiddy in 1997. The site predominately manufactures orthopaedic knee and hip replacement joints

The expanded plant includes a new laboratory to advance quality testing methods across the Johnson and Johnson family of medical device companies.

"The decision to expand this site in Ireland was a strategically important investment due to the site's strong track record of excellence in quality and innovation to support the growing demand of our business around the world," said Willem Appelo, vice-president supply chain, Johnson and Johnson global orthopaedics group.