US pharmaceutical giant Merck will create 370 jobs as it expands in Cork

US drugmaker Merck will expand its facilities in Cork, creating more than 370 jobs over five years.

The €440 million investment includes an expansion of Merck’s Carrigtwohill facility and a new manufacturing facility at Blarney Business Park in Cork.

It is Merck’s largest single-site investment to date and will create more than 370 permanent jobs by the end of 2027.

Merck’s Life Sciences sector produces novel therapies and vaccines, including viral and gene therapies.

The €290 million Carrigtwohill expansion will add a manufacturing facility for membranes used in rapid diagnostic tests for rare diseases and rapid antigen tests.

This is followed by an investment of 36 million euros at the same site in 2021.

The nearly €150m investment at Blarney Business Park will go towards the construction of a new filter manufacturing facility.

By 2025, Merck wants to increase its group sales to around 25 billion euros.

“This investment, the largest in the history of Merck Life Science, speaks volumes about our ability to provide multinational companies with the right conditions to grow their businesses,” said Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

“Ireland’s development of a strong life sciences ecosystem has been one of our greatest commercial achievements. I am delighted that Merck has chosen Cork for its latest investment. I wish the team continued success in their work to improve life around the world.”

Merck CEO Matthias Heinzel said the investment will “accelerate the delivery of the critical products, technologies and services our customers need to tackle the world’s greatest public health challenges, including Covid-19.”

Martin McAuliffe, managing director and head of Merck’s operations in Cork, said the investment was “a statement of Merck’s commitment to our Irish businesses”.

“These new investments ensure Merck has a bright future in Cork and allow us to expand our capabilities here and create new job opportunities in future technologies.”

IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan said the investments “will have a significant positive economic impact on the South West region”.

“Merck’s decision to expand its footprint is tangible evidence of the company’s confidence in Ireland’s ability to provide access to world-class talent. I would like to assure the Merck team of IDA Ireland’s continued support and wish them every success in this major investment.”

In addition, Merck is planning investment programs in Germany, China, France, Switzerland, Ireland and the USA.