140 new jobs part of investment in $30m production line for pharmaceutical imaging agents at the GE Healthcare Ireland Campus in Carrigtohill, Co. Cork
Pharma giant GE Healthcare is to create 140 new jobs in Cork with the opening of a new manufacturing line.
The investment is part of commitment to address increasing demand for iodinated contrast media products, used to enhance medical imaging procedures globally.
“We expect global demand for iodinated contrast media to double over the next ten years due to the growth of CT imaging procedures”
The products are integral for X-ray and computed tomography (CT) procedures around the world and demand is being driven by the growing global prevalence of chronic disorders. These technologies help enhance visualisation of organs, blood vessels and tissues across disease pathways.
Growing demand
GE Healthcare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics business develops and manufactures imaging agents used to support over 100m procedures per year globally, equivalent to three patient procedures every second.
It is estimated that the new manufacturing line will increase production capacity at the Cork facility by over 50% by 2025.
GE said it aims to produce 30m more patient doses per year by 2025.
“We expect global demand for iodinated contrast media to double over the next ten years due to the growth of CT imaging procedures,” said Kevin O’Neill, president and CEO of GE Healthcare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics.
“As an industry leader, we understand our responsibility to help meet this growing demand from customers and patients and this new production line is part of our wider commitment to produce 30m more patient doses of contrast media annually by 2025.”
Eugene Barrett, GE Healthcare Ireland Site Leader, who leads the 765-strong team at the Cork facility, said: “We have a great team here in Cork focused on supplying for our customers and their patients. Next year marks our 30-year anniversary of production and this new production line is central to our continued growth. We are delighted to have Minister McGrath and Kevin O’Neill on campus to celebrate this milestone.”
IDA Ireland Executive Director Mary Buckley said: “Today’s announcement by GE Healthcare is terrific news for Cork and indeed the entire South West Region. It speaks to this global healthcare leader’s continued commitment to Ireland. IDA Ireland remains focused on winning jobs and investments, like this, in regional locations. I wish GE Healthcare every success with this investment and expansion.”
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath T.D. who is officiating at the opening of the €30.5m facility welcomed the expansion.
“GE Healthcare has consistently invested in manufacturing here in Cork, bringing together state-of-the-art technology, global best practices in pharmaceutical healthcare and a highly qualified workforce. I am delighted today to open the newest filling line at the Cork campus, and welcome the creation of 140 jobs at the plant. Today’s opening represents yet another vote of confidence in Cork as a location for pharmaceutical manufacturing.”
