Bionical Emas, a global Contract Research Organisation (CRO ), providing a range of services to the pharmaceutical and Biotech sector, is to establish a storage, distribution, and secondary labelling facility in the Midlands region allowing for the initial creation of approximately 35 new local jobs.
A 7,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art facility in Kilbeggan, with room for further expansion, has been chosen for the project given its access to the talented local workforce in the Midlands region and strong transport connections to Dublin Airport. Refurbishment and fit of the building are expected to be completed in Q1 of 2022.
Due to rapidly increasing demand for the unique and highly successful services Bionical Emas provides to its customers in the EU, US and Asia-Pacific, the facility will provide a major expansion to the existing logistics and storage capabilities. The state-of-the-art temperature-controlled (ambient and cold chain ) facility will be used to store, distribute, and label medicinal products for use around the world.
It is expected that following the completion of the build-out of the facility, Bionical Emas will continue to expand its operations and Ireland based headcount across its three services areas: Clinical Development, Early Access Programs and Clinical Trial Supply.
The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Derbyshire, England, Bionical Emas have offices in the UK, US, and Australia. The unique suite of services partnered with the global storage, distribution and labelling facilities has resulted in the Group seeing an increased demand for its services.
Philip Dunne, a native of Athlone and an experienced biopharmaceutical executive, will head up the Irish operation.
“As a native of the Midlands area, I am proud to be leading this exciting project for Bionical Emas. Accessing the amazing talent in the region, in addition to the great transport links, will ensure we can continue to build on the market-leading services that Bionical Emas are well known for around the world,” Mr Dunne stated.
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Robert Troy TD welcomed the imminent creation of jobs within the local economy.
“I am delighted that Bionical Emas has announced plans to establish a European Storage, Distribution and Labelling facility in Kilbeggan. This new state-of-the-art facility will create 35 new jobs in Westmeath, with the potential for further expansion in the years to come.
“This is a very welcome announcement for Kilbeggan and the wider Midlands region and demonstrates the Midlands has the skills, talent, people and connectivity that will enable companies like Bionical Emas to embed and grow their operations here. Regional job creation is a key priority of this Government, and we will be working to secure further investment for all regions in the months and years ahead,” Deputy Troy remarked.
IDA Ireland’s Executive Director Mary Buckley said Bionical Emas will be joining the strong cluster of life sciences companies in Ireland.
“It’s a great win for the Midlands Region and the company will be a significant contributor to the local economy. I wish Philip and his team every success,” Ms Buckley commented.
