BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), the global medical technology company, has announced it plans to invest €30m to expand its manufacturing facility in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, creating 85 jobs.

The new 40,000-sq-ft expansion will house operations to manufacture a new medical technology from BD’s Peripheral Intervention business unit.

The investment in Enniscorthy follows other recent investments in the facility, including a €1.5m project, supported by IDA, to install 1,300 solar panels to the facility, along with heat pumps totalling one megawatt. Together, this investment reduces annual kerosene use on site by 150,000 litres, eliminating 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, which will help BD meet its 2030 environmental sustainability goals.

The announcement was made at a grand opening ceremony for BD’s new €4m research and development facility in Blackrock, Co Dublin. The 10,600-sq-ft purpose-built R&D facility in Blackrock will house 35 high-tech workers and complements BD’s R&D facility in Limerick, which employs more than 300 people. 

Minister of state Neale Richmond TD said: “I am delighted with BD's announcement of a €4m research and development facility in Blackrock, Co Dublin, and additional €30m expansion investment in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.

"The projects will create more than 85 jobs in Ireland with opportunities for our talented workforce to be part of exciting new medical advancements at BD. It is of course always great to see regional job creation, and the government is always hugely supportive of such announcements.”

Presence in Ireland for more than 50 years

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: “BD has had a presence in Ireland for more than 50 years, and these significant investments, adding a further 85 jobs and new facilities to its already substantial Irish operations and jobs, underscores the strategic importance of Ireland in BD’s global operations.

"It is proof of the company’s future commitment to the country and testament to Ireland and indeed our region’s continued attractiveness as a location for investment. I wish to assure BD of IDA Ireland’s continued support.’’ 

President of BD for Europe, Middle East and Africa Roland Goette said: “BD first established operations in Ireland in 1964, and since then has grown to four locations that employ more than 1,100 people across the country.

"Ireland has proven to be a smart place to invest in both R&D, as well as manufacturing operations, and our €30m investment in Enniscorthy and new R&D centre in Blackrock are proof of BD’s long-term commitment to Ireland. We look forward to continuing our long tradition of high-tech medical device innovation and manufacturing here.”