Firms to create 370 jobs in Galway, Cork

A US healthcare company is to expand its operation in Galway with the creation of 220 jobs.

CIGNA HealthCare, a division of CIGNA Corporation, said it would employ the staff at its Loughrea offices over the next three years.

Elsewhere, German pharmaceutical company Altana is to open a €70 million plant in Cork that will create 150 new jobs.

CIGNA HealthCare, which processes medical indemnity claims, occupies over half of the IDA Ireland building in Loughrea.

Under this expansion, the company is to upgrade the area it occupies and is to lease and upgrade the rest of the building.

Making the announcement, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Mary Harney, said: "Such factors as the availability of people with the necessary qualifications, the company already having received many unsolicited applications prior to commencing recruitment, and the proven competitiveness of the Galway facility were influential in securing the investment for Galway".

CIGNA HealthCare provides a range of group medical, dental, behavioural and pharmacy benefits to employees in the United States and Puerto Rico.

The company employs 40,000 people at over 450 locations worldwide.

Meanwhile, IDA Ireland confirmed it was in the final stages of negotiation with German pharmaceutical company Altana to build a factory at Carrigtwohill.

The plant is planning to manufacture Roflumilast, an asthma and respiratory disease drug.