Generic drugs company Aspen is to expand its Dublin operation with the creation of 44 jobs.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton announced plans for Aspen to set up a regulatory, quality assurance and supply projects centre of excellence in Citywest.

“Pharmaceuticals is a major sector of strength for Ireland, with nine out of the top 10 global companies located here,” said Mr Bruton.

“However a key part of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is targeting the areas of growth within what is a changing sector — in particular, generics.”

Aspen set up shop in Ireland in 2010, which has since become its European marketing and supply chain headquarters. The new jobs, supported by IDA Ireland, will bring the company’s total workforce in Ireland to 58.

The firm is the world’s largest producer of HIV drugs in South Africa.

Aspen group chief executive Stephen Saad said Ireland has a workforce with the specialised skills the company requires.

He said it also boasts a strong regulatory and business environment. “I am delighted to see the continued growth of Aspen here in Ireland,” he added.

Meanwhile, IDA chief executive Barry O’Leary said Aspen’s decision to expand in Ireland adds to the country’s cluster of life sciences operations.

He said a key member of that cluster is GlaxoSmithKline, which owns a 20 per cent share in Aspen here.

“Ireland offers South Africa’s largest pharmaceutical company a strategic location from which to support its ongoing expansion and grow its sales across Europe,” said Mr O’Leary.

“I wish Aspen every success with this expansion and look forward to continue to work closely with the company as it further embeds its operations here.”

PA