Massive jobs boost for Cork

A large biopharmaceutical firm has today announced the creation of 180 new full-time jobs with the expansion of its supply chain facility in Ringaskiddy.

The €150m investment by Janssen Sciences Ireland, part of Johnson & Johnson, will add to its existing global manufacturing capacity, allowing the company to reach patients with crucial biomedicines faster.

Construction on the expansion started in early this year and is expected to take approximately two years to complete. Up to 300 people will be employed during the construction period.

Speaking before today’s announcement, An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar said: “This is really fantastic news for Cork and for patients across the world who use the medicines made here. I’m really proud of Ireland’s thriving life sciences sector. Investment like this demonstrates the strength of talent we have here.”

Operating in Ringaskiddy since 2005, the Janssen site manufactures medicines for immunology and oncology patients, addressing critical needs in areas such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and multiple myeloma.

Leila Schwery-Bou-Diab, Vice President Manufacturing and Technical Operation, Johnson & Johnson said: “The additional manufacturing capacity created by this investment will enhance the work we do to deliver transformational medicines that can change the trajectory of health. Every day, over 40,000 of our Janssen colleagues are working tirelessly to create a better future for our patients by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart.”

This investment project will create new roles in the areas of facilities, engineering, quality, manufacturing and regulatory affairs. The company currently has a workforce of more than 700 people at the Ringaskiddy site.

Gary Hartnett, General Manager, Janssen Sciences said: “We will be adding 180 potential new roles as part of this announcement. It is an incredible opportunity to join a diverse workforce made up of the best and brightest minds.”

Today’s announcement follows a €300m investment in 2017, which saw the construction of a large scale manufacturing suite at the Ringaskiddy site. This suite will shortly commence commercial operations after successfully attaining all necessary manufacturing approvals.

In 2020, the Janssen site in Ringaskiddy was designated as a Global Lighthouse site by the World Economic Forum, recognising it as one of the world’s most advanced manufacturers. This designation recognises the site’s commitment to embracing and implementing Fourth Industrial Revolution technology across its processes.

For more information on the roles that are available at Janssen Sciences Ireland, visit careers.jnj.com.