GE Healthcare has announced a $40 million investment in its manufacturing facility in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork. Employment at the facility, which stands at almost 500 people, is expected to increase by 140 people. The investment which is supported by IDA Ireland, will double the Carrigtwohill facility’s production capacity of medical imaging contrast media - from 22.5 million to 43 million units per year. This significant investment will position GE Healthcare globally for growth in developing precision medicine and biopharmaceuticals. Paschal McCarthy, managing director, global supply chain at GE Healthcare, said: “Today’s announcement represents a key development in the journey of our facility here in Carrigtwohill. We are proud to be part of GE Healthcare’s Life Sciences division as it grows and positions itself to meet the international demand for precision medicine, biologics and other advanced medicines such as cell and immunotherapies. Most importantly, this investment in our facility represents a significant vote of confidence in our people and their commitment to delivering the very best possible products available in the market.” Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said: “Manufacturing is a key sector which we have targeted as part of our Action Plan for Jobs. This is an area which was neglected in recent decades but we have put in place a range of measures to support growth and in recent years we have seen a strong jobs performance. Today’s announcement that GE Healthcare is investing $40 million and creating an extra 140 jobs in Carrigtwohill is a great boost for Cork and for manufacturing in Ireland.” Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland, said: “The life sciences sector continues to thrive in Ireland. This increase in the production of this diagnostic tool of almost 50 per cent is a real endorsement of the Carrigtwohill facility by GE Healthcare. IDA Ireland will continue to target further investment in this sector in the coming months.”