A Norwegian pharmaceutical and biotech engineering giant is to create 220 jobs at an engineering centre of excellence outside Cork City. Key functions will include data storage, software development and training.
AK Pharmaceuticals, part of the Aker Kvaerner Group, of Norway, provides a range of engineering services from concept through implementation, construction, operation, validation and maintenance for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and is one of the largest companies in this business globally.
Mark Leggett, president of AK Pharmaceuticals, said: “This move to Ireland is an extremely positive one for AK Pharmaceuticals. It has come about from working with and listening to the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, many of which have operations in Ireland. Our focus is on the long term, supporting our customers throughout the lifetime of their assets, ensuring quality and predictable outcomes in relationships built on trust.”
The newly appointed Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Michéal Martin explained: “This AK Pharmaceuticals investment is in line with the Government’s policy and IDA’s strategy of developing this country as a knowledge economy. By winning such high-value, knowledge-led and skilled-based investments, we are providing the employment opportunities that the people of this country now expect. It also shows that Ireland is the location of choice for leading international companies.
“Cork has seen a significant benefit from IDA’s success in attracting such investments. In under two years 15 new investments have been announced for the city and county by overseas companies. These will involve investments totalling over €210m and will bring on stream more than 1,400 new high-calibre jobs in the coming years, the majority being for graduates in a wide range of disciplines” the minister concluded.
By John Kennedy
