Proxy Biomedical Ltd, a leading innovator in the development of biomaterials for regenerative medicine, this week officially opened its new manufacturing premises in an Údarás na Gaeltachta facility in An Spidéal.
Proxy Biomedical Ltd specialises in the research, development, production and marketing of biomaterials for the repair and regeneration of tissue. The medical devices produced by Proxy Biomedical replicate tissue structure so that they can provide full or partial restoration of the patient’s quality of life.
With support from Údarás na Gaeltachta, the new facility will house all the services offered by Proxy, which include the design, development, manufacturing, sales and distribution of next generation medical devices and biomaterials. The provision of all services from one facility is unique in the sector.
Peter Gingras, founder and managing director of Proxy Biomedical, commented on the company’s decision to locate to Galway.
“ We chose Galway mainly for the resources offered in the life sciences sector, and the fact the county contains a large cluster of companies in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors.
“ Initially we were based in Galway city but as the company developed and expanded, we needed a larger facility and decided to relocate to the Galway Gaeltacht where Údarás provided a high standard facility that was suitable for all our requirements,” he said.
The company currently employs 16 people and plans to employ a further 16 employees over the next two years. Over half of those employed have advanced degrees and perform research and development activities. The company currently export over 95 of its product to the United States, Europe and Asia.
It distributes its own branded products for certain fields of use, and it leverages strategic partnerships with other companies such as Boston Scientific and B Braun in other fields of use.
Peter Mulrooney, director of operations of Proxy Biomedical, outlined the benefits of the new facility. “Proxy Biomedical has been placing significant time and resources in developing a portfolio of platform biomaterial technologies for the expanding field of tissue engineering.
“We hope to partner with companies in Ireland and other countries with strong life science clusters. The new facility will provide growth potential and added capacity for existing and new customers going forward.”
Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, who officially opened the facility, welcome the decision by Proxy Biomedical to locate in the Connemara Gaeltacht.
“This is tremendous news for the area. The high-quality employment opportunities that it will create is vitally important to the area and will assist in developing and sustaining the local community into the future.”
The Minister went on to commend Údarás na Gaeltachta for its proactive strategy of sourcing new investment in this growing sector and providing high quality suitable business premises in order to attract such projects.
Pádraig Ó hAoláin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, commented that Udaras is very pleased to be able to facilitate and support the expansion of Proxy Biomedical to the Connemara Gaeltacht.
“The decision by the company to place such a sophisticated and technologically advanced operation here is a huge vote of confidence in the workforce and in the area in general. This development represents a good example of the implementation of An tÚdarás’ policy of attracting companies involved in the high-tech life sciences industry into areas which can provide suitable business accommodation, a skilled workforce, and appropriate infrastructure.”
