GE HEALTHCARE has announced a €132 million investment to expand its media fill and finish manufacturing site in Co Cork.
A new state-of-the-art facility on the grounds of the existing Carrigtwohill site will enable 25 million more yearly patient doses of contrast media by the end of 2027, addressing growing global demand.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin will this morning turn the sod to formally initiate construction works on the site of the new facility.
Contrast media are injectable diagnostic imaging agents used to enhance visualisation of organs, blood vessels and tissues during medical imaging.
The company says that global demand for iodine-based contrast media, used in X-ray, CT and interventional procedures is expected to double in the next decade.
In 2024, the Cork facility, along with GE HealthCare’s other fill and finish production sites in China and Norway supplied over 100 million patient doses of contrast media around the world.
The new 3000m2 facility – which will support both established and pipeline products – will include solution preparation vessels, multi-functional powder handling systems and a new filling line .
It will also includes autoclaves, with advanced automation systems underpinning production.
Fianna Fail leader Martin said that GE HealthCare has been manufacturing in Ireland for more than thirty years, and has invested extensively in the site in Cork.
He said: “I am delighted to welcome this significant new investment here in Cork, which is testament to the commitment of GE HealthCare in Ireland, and also to our highly skilled workforce.”
The President & CEO of GE Healthcare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics segment said that as an industry leader they have a responsibility to help meet the growing global demand for contrast media from health providers and their patients.
Kevin O’Neill added: “This new facility demonstrates our broader commitment not just to address future demand, but also to increase resiliency and security of industry supply for customers.”
Eugene Barrett, Site Leader and Managing Director of GE HealthCare Ireland, said that first doses from the new facility are expected by the end of 2027.
He said: “This expansion strengthens our longstanding presence in Cork, where we have a highly skilled team, access to leading talent in the pharmaceutical industry, strong distribution links around the world and a great partnership with IDA Ireland.
“First doses from our new facility are expected by the end of 2027 and we are proud of the impact our site will continue to make for patients around the world.”
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