Pharma giant Merck will create 370 jobs as it expands into Cork

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Mark Cork will expand its facilities, creating more than 370 jobs in five years.

The € 440 million investment includes the expansion of Merck’s Carrigtwohill facility and a new production facility at Blairney Business Park in Cork.

It is Mark’s largest single-site investment to date and will create more than 370 permanent jobs by the end of 2027.

Merck’s life sciences sector develops innovative therapies and vaccines, including viral and gene therapy.

The € 290 million Carrigtwohill expansion will add a manufacturing facility for membranes used in rapid diagnostic tests for rare diseases and rapid antigen testing.

This was followed by an investment of 36 million euros on the same site in 2021.

The € 150m investment in Blairney Business Park will lead to the construction of a new filter manufacturing facility.

By 2025, Mark wants to increase his group sales to around 25 billion euros.

“This investment, the largest in the history of Mark Life Science, speaks volumes about our ability to provide multinational companies with the right conditions to grow their business,” said Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

“Developing a strong life sciences ecosystem in Ireland is one of our greatest commercial achievements. I am delighted that Mark has chosen Cork for his latest investment. I wish the team continues its success in improving life around the world.”

Mark’s CEO Matthias Henzel said the investment would “accelerate the delivery of critical products, technologies and services our customers need to meet the world’s greatest public health challenges, including Covid-19.”

U.S.A. McAuliffe, managing director and head of operations at Mark’s Cork, said the investment was “a statement of Mark’s commitment to our Irish business.”

“These new investments ensure that Cork Merck has a bright future and allows us to expand our capabilities here and create new job opportunities in future technologies.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said the investments would have a “significant positive economic impact” on the Southwest.

“The decision to expand Mark’s footprint is a testament to the company’s confidence in Ireland’s ability to provide world-class talent access. I want to reassure Mark’s team of IDA Ireland’s continued support and wish them every success in this great investment.”

Mark also plans to invest in Germany, China, France, Switzerland, Ireland and the United States.

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