The town of Athenry has a long and storied history, but there is no doubt that a new chapter in its prosperity and attractiveness as a place to live and work was written last Friday when Dexcom officially broke ground on its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
This marks the second step in the realisation of this facility, which will bring more than 1,000 jobs to the area and represents one of the biggest single private sector investments ever in the West of Ireland.
Dexcom is also further demonstrating its long-term commitment to the province announcing a 12-year naming-rights partnership with Connacht Rugby. From last Friday, ‘The Sportsground’ which has been the home of Connacht Rugby since 1927, will be known as ‘Dexcom Stadium’,
This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.
Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Simon Coveney who attended the ceremony said this investment from Dexcom is not only a huge vote of confidence in Athenry but in Ireland as a whole.
“We are turning the sod on Dexcom’s first production plant in Europe and taking the next important step in bringing 1000 jobs to Athenry over the next 5-years.
“I want to thank Dexcom and congratulate all those in my department and the IDA who secured this investment.”
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary TD said balanced regional enterprise is a core priority for him in government, and that he was pleased to see the West benefiting from Dexcom’s significant investment and supported by the Government.
“We have invested significantly in the West region, particularly through our Regional Enterprise Plan, focussing on enterprise creation, enterprise development and job growth in the region, capitalising on our strengths here in the West, which has resulted in the West being not only an excellent location for enterprise to establish, but to thrive and grow as well,” he said.
Minister Calleary saiid that Dexcom’s presence here in the West will not only contribute to the country’s economy, providing valuable employment at the site here in Galway, but also endorses Ireland’s status as a global hub of life sciences.
The investment in Athenry to establish the first European manufacturing facility is a clear demonstration of Dexcom’s commitment to Galway. Indeed, further indication of Dexcom’s commitment to the wider West region is the announcement of their partnership with Connacht Rugby, which I fully endorse as proud Connacht supporter.
“I want to thank Dexcom’s Irish management team and the regional IDA teams for their dedication and commitment that has resulted in the milestone achievement we are celebrating today. Congratulations to all and best of luck for the future,” he concluded.
Barry Regan, Executive Vice President of Operations at Dexcom, said that the creation of the Dexcom manufacturing facility will undoubtedly be a gamechanger for the West of Ireland.”
“This is a pivotal moment for Dexcom and we are confident it will have an immensely positive impact in Galway and the wider region too, not only in relation to job creation but also as we become part of and contribute to this community.
“We’re already proud to be partnering with Connacht Rugby, and this is only the beginning.”
Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said that the sod turning event is an important moment in this facility - first announced last year - becoming a reality.
“This important strategic investment by Dexcom, which is the first of its kind outside of the US, will have far reaching economic and social benefits for Athenry, the West and indeed all of Ireland. I wish continued success to Dexcom and assure the team of IDA Ireland’s continued support.”
The 1,000 available jobs include support in finance, HR, as well as a variety of engineering roles, ranging from leadership to graduate positions. Dexcom intends to build strong links with the local universities in Galway and nearby counties, particularly around engineering and quality assurance courses. In an additional boost to the local economy, it is expected that for every job created by Dexcom a further 1 – 1.7 jobs will be created indirectly.
‘We are really proud that Ireland has been chosen as Dexcom’s first manufacturing facility for EMEA”, said Caroline Chivers, Interim Country Director UK & Ireland.
“The location not only provides us with a great pool of talent from the West of Ireland but also demonstrates Dexcom’s commitment to growth in the region. We look forward to building our team over the coming years.”
Dexcom’s first manufacturing facility in Europe will ensure the flow of products throughout EMEA, with the potential to lower the cost of goods and improve sustainability by decreasing delivery time in transit. The new facility will have the capacity to produce millions of Dexcom rtCGM sensors each year, helping to improve the lives of people with diabetes in EMEA.
“This facility is strategically located in Europe, for Europe. This development demonstrates our commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence in EMEA, as well as to the people we serve. This is the only beginning; we’re truly excited for what’s to come,”said Alex Moussa, SVP and General Manager EMEA at Dexcom.
