Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, the company specialising in patient-focused innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring, has announced National Technology Park, Castletroy, Limerick, as the location of its new permanent facility which is expected to manufacture delivery components for its transcatheter heart valve therapies. The company plans to complete the new 15,700 square metre purpose-built manufacturing facility by 2021. Once the facility is fully operational, the company expects it will employ approximately 600 people in roles ranging from leadership opportunities, planning, quality control, assembly, engineering and finance. Edwards’ investment in the project is expected to amount to approximately €80 million. Nathan Tenzer, plant general manager at Edwards Lifesciences, said that “the site we have selected to base our operations in Ireland was chosen for many reasons, but one main attraction for us was the wealth of experienced talent available with the skills we require in the medical technology sector. "This plant is an integral part of our global supply strategy with locations in the United States and elsewhere, to support our future growth and reliability of supply as we serve patients worldwide. We would like to thank the government and the IDA for the support we have received on this journey to date, and we look forward to our continued engagement in the local community". “The location of this plant in Castletroy is wonderful news for the local community, as it will bring significant investment into the area as well as the wider midwest region”, said Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD. “It is a vote of confidence in the region to have a global leader in the medtech sector, like Edwards, located here. My department, through the IDA, is committed to supporting Edwards as it establishes its operations in Ireland and as it continues to develop its innovative heart valve technologies.” Pat Breen TD, Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, said: “This new purpose-built facility shows the long-term ambitions Edwards Lifesciences has for its operations in the midwest. "The development also reflects the many advantages this region holds, in terms of talent, infrastructure and an enterprising environment. We wish the company ongoing success and will look forward to seeing its progress in the years ahead.” Cllr James Collins, mayor of Limerick City and County added: “Today’s announcement by Edwards Lifesciences is a huge endorsement of the Limerick city region and its ability to attract global leaders in the life sciences sector to set up here, it also further cements Limerick’s reputation as a go-to location for companies wishing to innovate and expand. "The eco-system in Limerick centered around co-operation between the local authority, state agencies and education providers has once again proven to be a winner for companies looking at investing in Ireland. I can assure the company of the continuing support of Limerick City and County Council.”