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Vistakon heralds 100 jobs and €100m investment
on 15/01/2013 00:00:00
Vistakon, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, opened in Limerick in 1996. Johnson & Johnson companies employ more than 1,900 people in this country.
To cater for the increase in workforce numbers, an extension to the plant will provide 200 construction jobs over the next two years.
It is expected that the new jobs will be filled by June.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation Richard Bruton, who announced the expansion at the plant, said the jobs have resulted from Vistakon's diversification into next-generation disposable contact lenses.
"Manufacturing needs to be nurtured as a core source of investment and wealth creation," said Mr Bruton. We must make sure that Ireland is on the radar for next-generation investment."
He said the €100m investment by Vistakon could only be made possible through successful state policies and practices.
Mr Bruton said: "I am determined to ensure that we build on this announcement through the Action Plan for Jobs to create the employment we need."
Paul Connolly, vice president of manufacturing with Vistakon, said Limerick was chosen for new investment because of the plant's track record in providing quality products combined with top-class customer service to worldwide markets.
Barry O'Leary, CEO of IDA Ireland, said Johnson & Johnson's contribution to the Irish economy and the Mid-West in particular was substantial.
He said: "This further investment by the world's largest diversified healthcare company is a very positive development for the future. The life sciences industry is a key target area for the IDA. It is of strategic importance to Ireland."
Finance minister Michael Noonan reiterated that the 12.5% corporation tax rate would not be altered.
"People love our smile and the Cliffs of Moher, but competitiveness decides on location, and we must continue to be a competitive base for inward investment," Mr Noonan said.