MSD, known as Merck in the US and Canada, has today announced that it will construct a second manufacturing facility at its existing site in Carlow with the creation of 170 jobs. The facility will focus on the production of vaccines and biologics and is scheduled to commence manufacturing operations in 2023. It will include an expansion of warehouse and laboratory services at the site. Recruitment will commence immediately. MSD is one of Ireland’s leading healthcare companies and currently employs about 2,000 employees across its operations in Carlow, Cork, Dublin and Tipperary. Employing more than 400 staff, MSD Carlow opened in 2008 as MSD’s first vaccines facility outside of the US. The expansion is as a result of continuing increased global demand for MSD’s medicines and vaccines.

Investing in R&D

MSD continues to invest significantly in R&D to invent new vaccines and medicines for areas of unmet need. Earlier in 2018 MSD also announced it had decided to locate a new facility, MSD Biotech, Dublin, in Swords, Co Dublin, with the expected creation of up to 350 jobs when that facility commences full manufacturing operations in 2021. Ger Brennan, managing director of MSD Human Health in Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce this further expansion of MSD’s footprint in Ireland which comes on the back of a number of significant investments in our facilities across Ireland in 2017 and the announcement earlier this year that a new facility would be built in Dublin. "MSD’s continued investment in Ireland is due to continued access to highly-skilled employees as well as collaborative partnerships with government and third-level institutions.” Karin Shanahan, SVP, Global Biologics & Sterile Ops, MSD, said: “The decision to further invest in Carlow is a real testament to the talent of the current Carlow team and MSD Ireland’s wider employee base and reinforces MSD’s commitment to Ireland, further strengthening our 50-year strong legacy here. "Today’s announcement only adds to our ability to be able to offer current and future employees a truly unique experience across our sites in Ireland, offering an opportunity to experience all elements of pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing within Ireland.” Further information regarding open roles in MSD Ireland can be accessed at www.msdirelandjobs.com.