Med-tech firm BD to create up to 20 jobs on back of €16m investment

8 May 2014

Med-tech company BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of its plant opening in Drogheda, Co Louth, with a €16m investment and the creation of up to 20 new jobs.

The investment, which the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation is supporting through IDA Ireland, will go towards new equipment to expand BD’s production of its PosiFlush syringes.

Jerry Hurwitz, senior vice-president, human resources, BD, said the company’s additional and ongoing investment in its Drogheda facility reflects BD’s commitment to its associates, the local community and advancing the manufacture of high-quality products that contribute to the health and well-being of patients worldwide.

“To be in operation for 50 years is a great testament to the workforce in Drogheda and I am extremely grateful for the contributions of the many associates who have worked with us since we opened our doors in Ireland,” Hurwitz added.

Minister of State Fergus O’Dowd, TD, said BD has consistently invested in the research and development of new products and provided thousands of local residents with training, development and careers.

In addition to the syringes, BD produces safety components for insulin pen needles and lancet blood sampling devices at its Drogheda facility, and employs more than 450 people between its two plants in Drogheda and and Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

BD was one of the first medical-device companies to locate in Ireland in 1964. In the past five years alone, BD has invested nearly €73m in its manufacturing plants in the two locations.

Syringe image via Shutterstock

Tina Costanza
By Tina Costanza

Tina Costanza was a journalist and sub-editor at Silicon Republic. She came to Ireland from Canada, where she had held senior editorial positions at daily newspapers in Ottawa and Toronto. When she wasn’t saving dangling participles, she was training for 10K races or satisfying a craving for scones.

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