Edwards Lifesciences doubles investment to €160m in Limerick

American medical device business Edwards Lifesciences announced a €160 million investment on Friday in a new technology plant in Limerick, that will create 600 jobs.

The firm said last October that it was to invest €80 million at a site at Plassey National Technology Park, Castletroy. However, it revealed on Friday that it was doubling its investment in the Limerick facility, which will make sophisticated heart valves.

Edwards’ Lifesciences already employs 50 people in Shannon, Co Clare.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar officially turned the sod on Friday for the company’s Limerick development, which is to be finished by 2021.

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“Lifesaving, cutting-edge technologies will be produced here, resulting in the creation of 600 highly skilled jobs,” the Taoiseach said. “I wish the company and their new workforce the very best as they embark on this exciting new project.”

Upgraded technology

The additional investment by Edwards in its Limerick operation includes the purchase of additional land, the construction of a larger facility, to allow for possible future expansion, and the integration of upgraded technology.

Edwards chairman and chief executive Michael Mussallem said the company was "proud to break ground today on a modern, state-of-the-art facility in Ireland that will serve as an important addition to our global supply chain to enable global delivery of our high-quality, life-saving heart valve therapies".

“Since we established operations in Ireland last year, we have appreciation for the excellent business environment to help develop our operations. We are also proud that we have had the opportunity to begin to engage in local community activities and initiate educational and professional opportunities for our employees.”

Mr Mussallem added he was “confident that the addition of our talented and experienced team in Ireland to our growing workforce in the US, and around the world, will provide valuable support to our shared goal of serving more patients in need”.