Tuesday 19 October 2010

Further investment in healthcare plant

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Mr. Batt O'Keeffe, T.D., shares a joke with Hollister employees Helena Cleary, Josephine Mangan and Michael McNamara at the Hollister Plant in Balina where the Minister announced a major €65m expansion at the company. Looking on is Minister for Labour Affairs and Public Transformation, Mr. Dara Calleary, T.D.
The Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD has announced Hollister ULC will invest €65 million in expanding its current manufacturing facility in the west of Ireland.  This major development project will add approximately 75,000 square feet to the company’s existing manufacturing facility in Ballina and will allow the creation of 250 new jobs upon completion. The expansion project will create in the region of 200 jobs over the period of construction. The investment is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Hollister Incorporated is an independent, employee-owned company that develops, manufacturers, and markets healthcare products and services worldwide.  Expansion of the company’s Ballina facility will allow for increased manufacturing capability in both the company’s Ostomy and Continence Care product ranges.  The expansion will further support training and development for both new and existing employees.

Minister O'Keeffe said ‘The ambitious expansion plan will have an enormous economic impact on the west of Ireland, creating 250 new jobs and strengthening the region's manufacturing backbone. In addition to this a further 200 jobs will be created in the construction of the facility. 'Hollister has been part of the business community in Ballina for almost 35 years, contributing more than €52 million annually to the Irish economy including €40 million spent on salaries and materials sourced locally in the west of Ireland.. ‘

‘Ireland hosts 15 of the world's top 25 medical devices firms and Hollister's expansion plan demonstrates to the global investor community that our economic recovery is possible and we remain an attractive location for advanced manufacturing. I look forward to building on our strong relationship with Hollister and helping the firm to grow in Ireland,' concluded Minister O’Keeffe

All planning applications and related documentation for this expansion project have been submitted, and construction is planned to begin later this year.  The project is expected to be completed before the end of 2011.

In a prepared statement, Hollister Chairman and CEO Alan F. Herbert said, “Our decision to invest in this major expansion project in Ballina was made after very thoughtful consideration.  This is a key strategic initiative for our company, and the support we have received from local business leaders and IDA lets us know that we have made the right choice for the continued success of our company and for the people who depend on our products and services.  At Hollister Incorporated, our overriding goal and commitment is to make a difference—to add value to healthcare and to improve the quality of life for the people who use our products,” Mr. Herbert said.  “Throughout our company, we use the phrase ‘Making a Difference in the Journey of Life.’  That phrase is not just a marketing slogan; it reflects our company’s commitment to help healthcare professionals deliver better products and services and to make life more rewarding and dignified for those who use our products.  It also illustrates our commitment to Ballina and Ireland.  Our expansion here will not only help us to meet current market needs; it will also help us to meet the global challenges of the 21st Century.”

IDA CEO Barry O’Leary said, ‘Today’s announcement by Hollister clearly demonstrates Ireland’s continuing ability to secure high-end manufacturing investments in the Medical Technologies Sector. Hollister has had a strong presence in Co. Mayo since 1976 and the decision to increase its workforce here by a further 250 people and invest €65 million will further embed Hollister’s existing operations here while paving the way for further growth and transformation within the company’s Irish base. I would like to take this opportunity to offer IDA’s continued support to Hollister in its future development in Ireland.’


‘This investment will greatly enhance the development of the strong established medical devices cluster in Ireland and particularly in the West of Ireland with many of the world’s leading medical devices companies located in the region.’
He concluded.

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