GE Healthcare announce major €132m expansion
A medical technology company recently announced a a €132 million investment to expand its Carrigtwohill site.
GE HealthCare is to build a new state-of-the-art facility on the grounds of the existing site with the aim of enabling 25 million more patient doses per year of contrast media by the end of 2027.
Contrast media are injectable diagnostic imaging agents used to enhance visualisation of organs, blood vessels and tissues during medical imaging.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD turned the sod on the facility. He said: “GE HealthCare has been manufacturing in Ireland for more than 30 years, and has invested extensively in the Carrigtohill site and the people working here. 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 new 3000m2 facility - which will support both established and pipeline products – will include solution preparation vessels, multi-functional powder handling systems, a new filling line and autoclaves, with advanced automation systems underpinning production.
Once established, the additional capacity will cater for the growing global demand, while offering increased flexibility and resiliency across GE HealthCare’s contrast media production network for security of supply.
President and CEO of GE HealthCare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics segment, Kevin O’Neill, said: “As an industry leader we have a responsibility to help meet the growing global demand for contrast media from healthcare providers and their patients.
“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.”
IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: “It’s an endorsement from GE HealthCare senior leadership team of the confidence in the capability and competency of the team at the Carrigtohill campus developed over three decades. I wish GE HealthCare every success with this investment and assure them of IDA Ireland’s continued partnership and support.”
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said: “This is a resounding endorsement of Cork and Ireland as a world-class location for global businesses to invest, grow and thrive. This expansion underscores the confidence that foreign direct investment companies have in our region, thanks to our highly skilled workforce and access to global markets.”