This is the single largest investment Merck has made in its life sciences business and will lead to the creation of new facilities in Cork.
Science and tech company Merck has today (23 May) announced plans to invest €440m to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Cork, in a move that will create more than 370 new jobs by 2027.
Merck Group is investing €290m to increase its membrane manufacturing capacity at its existing Carrigtwohill site, while around €150m will go towards the creation of a new filtration manufacturing facility in the Blarney Business Park.
Some of the roles Merck is currently hiring for in Cork include microbiological analysts, quality engineers, equipment technicians, quality inspectors, senior process and technology engineers, validation engineers and analytical lab analysts.
The multinational company said this is the single largest investment it has made in its life sciences business.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, TD, said the investment “speaks volumes” about Ireland’s capacity to provide the right conditions for multinationals to grow their operations.
“Ireland’s development of a strong life sciences ecosystem has been one of our greatest economic successes,” Martin added. “I am delighted that Merck has chosen Cork for its latest investment. I wish the team continued success, as they work towards improving lives around the world.”
The membranes created at Merck’s Carrigtwohill facility have various applications in the life sciences sector, as they support virus sterilisation, plasma separation and finger prick rapid testing. The membranes also serve Merck’s process solutions business, which is one of its major growth drivers.
The announcement follows a €36m investment at the same site last year to create a second lateral flow membrane manufacturing line. These lateral flow membranes are commonly used in rapid diagnostic testing for diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and Ebola. They are also a key component in Covid-19 rapid antigen tests.
Merck managing director and head of Cork operations Martin McAuliffe said the decision to make further investment is a “testament to the capability, hard work and dedication of all our colleagues here in Cork”.
“Beyond that, it is a statement of Merck’s commitment to our Irish operations,” McAuliffe said. “These new investments secure a bright future for Merck in Cork and enable us to expand our capabilities here, generating new employment opportunities in future technology.”
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