Galway received a seasonal jobs boost with the announcement of 80 new jobs at global medtech company Aerogen, when it opened its new engineering labs in the city at the weekend.
Aerogen is the world leader in acute care aerosol drug delivery which continues to expand in Galway — the announcement was made in the presence of the Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen TD and the Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland, Julie Sinnamon,
Speaking at the opening, Minister Pat Breen TD said Aerogen is an innovative Irish company that continues to go from strength to strength and has already contributed significantly to the local economy, providing professional highly skilled jobs.
“The Government’s Future Jobs Ireland strategy recognises the critical role that innovation plays in driving a sustainable economy and supporting the jobs of the future. Aerogen continues to feed into this Strategy, by ensuring it holds a competitive advantage.
“Ireland is recognised globally as a Med Tech hub and Aerogen plays a very important role in this regard. The development of Ireland’s regions, by empowering businesses and communities, is a priority for Government and sustainable job creation is at the heart of what we do. Aerogen’s job announcement is very welcome,” he said.
Growing markets
Founder CEO of Aerogen, former European Entrepreneur of The Year, John Power said Aerogen’s business continues to grow rapidly as it develops newer international markets in the Middle East and S.E. Asia whilst generating increased demand in its primary markets of the USA and Europe.
“Servicing this growth has required significant increases in capacity and the ongoing hiring of talented professionals both at home and overseas.”
“Aerogen’s new facility at our headquarters in Galway Business Park in Dangan will be the development centre for emerging process technologies, housing Engineering and Science Laboratories to support our aerosolising core - the ‘engine’ of all Aerogen’s award winning nebuliser products.
“This is creating immediate opportunities for engineers and technologists at all levels from Diploma to PhD, across the disciplines of quality, regulatory, design assurance, manufacturing, development and electronics. Our motto at Aerogen is ‘We don’t do Ordinary’ and as a company we look to hire extra ordinary individuals looking to advance their careers whilst making a truly meaningful impact on global patient care.”
The patented product technology which is sophisticated and highly engineered utilises multiple components in different materials ranging from metals to ceramics to plastics and requires many unique processing steps.
Production output at Aerogen has more than doubled in the past four years while the number of employees has increased by 24 per cent this year to 240. Their products have been used to treat close to 9 million patients across 75 countries worldwide.
Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland said that since its establishment, Aerogen has fully embraced innovation and has become a globally recognized leader in the production of medical devices.
“The innovative technologies pursued by the company continue to push boundaries and transform treatments. Expanding its operations in Galway and creating additional jobs in the region reflects Aerogen’s commitment to growth, providing superior products and solutions to the global market.
“Aerogen is an exemplar to other indigenous, regionally based companies of how to build scale and prosper internationally. I wish them every success and look forward to continuing to support Aerogen’s research and development agenda into the future.”
The 27,000 square-foot hi-tech building incorporating offices as well as process and development lab space was designed by Aerogen and constructed by S. Gilligan & Associates and is situated adjacent to their existing HQ in the IDA Business Park, Dangan.
Qualtech
Aerogen have also completed a joint expansion of an additional 10,000 square foot mezzanine floor and ancillary services at M&M Qualtech, Parkmore, Galway.
Aerogen an M&M Qualtech have been working together for nearly 20 years, with M&M Qualtech providing electronics manufacturing, assembly and logistical services to Aerogen.
Brendan Hogan, Senior VP of Engineering, Aerogen said the additional manufacturing space in Parkmore is used to receive in the products, test and configure them into the various systems required and the shipment of our product to the many geographical regions which we serve.
“The support and services offered by MM Qualtech for almost 15 years has greatly contributed to our success,” he added.
Roger Grant M&M Qualtech, General Manager said“M&M Qualtech has successfully worked with Aerogen for many years and is delighted to be a collaborative manufacturing and supply chain partner.
“Our expanded operations will give us significantly higher development and production capacity allowing us to meet Aerogen’s growing global demand for their innovative lifesaving products. The new expansion at our Parkmore facility currently employees up to 80 employees with a further 25 Aerogen employees supporting the site.
“These expansions are facilitating ever greater alignment between our product & process development groups and our manufacturing operations to bring maximum value and service to our much-valued customers” said John Power.
Aerogen is the world’s leading medical device company specialising in the design, manufacture & commercialisation of aerosol drug delivery systems. Employing over 200 people and partnering their technology with the leading mechanical ventilation companies, Aerogen’s products have benefitted over 9 million respiratory patients worldwide.
