Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) is reportedly planning a new investment in Ireland that would create more than 400 jobs.
The Irish Examiner reports that the new investment in Clonmel, County Tipperary, totals $86.3 million (€80 million). Marlborough, Massachusetts-based Boston Scientific plans to expand its manufacturing and R&D capabilities at its existing Clonmel site, the report says.
According to the report, the company already began recruitment for new roles across “a variety of areas.” According to London-based recruitment firm Zenopa, Boston Scientific seeks candidates who specialize in engineering, manufacturing, supply, quality and discovery.
The new investment increases office and manufacturing space in Clonmel, according to the report. It also aims to transition the entire facility to source more than 90% of its energy needs from renewable sources.
“Our growth in the region has been possible thanks to our talented workforce here in Clonmel,” said Boston Scientific VP of operations, Conor Russell, according to the report. “Our team has worked to build strong manufacturing and R&D capabilities and also a high-performing and inclusive culture that we are proud to continue to foster as an employer of choice.”
The Irish Examiner says Boston Scientific now employs more than 6,500 people across its Galway, Cork and Clonmel sites.
Boston Scientific’s expansion may come as welcome news to an industry rife with workforce reductions in recent months. To date, MassDevice has reported on more than 18,000 medtech employees who have been let go.
Medtech’s investment in Ireland continues with Boston Scientific expansion
Boston Scientific first expanded operations to Ireland in 1994. According to the Irish Examiner report, Taoiseach Leo Varakdar said Boston Scientific has been “steadily growing its footprint in Ireland for the past quarter century.”
“Ireland is a global leader in the life sciences sector, and the decision by the company to invest again in Clonmel shows real confidence in the talent and infrastructure available,” said Varakdar.
Boston Scientific represents one of many medtech firms that chose to expand their business to Ireland over the years. Medtronic houses its global headquarters in Dublin. Abbott only last month broke ground on a new FreeStyle Libre manufacturing facility in Kilkenny.
Last year, MassDevice spoke with IDA Ireland — the foreign investment arm for the Irish government — about what attracts the industry to Ireland. Boston Scientific’s latest investment highlights medtech’s interest in the country.
“Boston Scientific in Ireland has transformed its activities over its 30 years here,” said Mary Buckley, executive director for IDA Ireland. “We welcome this investment in R&D and further manufacturing, which will offer new opportunities and careers in Tipperary and the region from the largest life sciences employer in Ireland.”