A west of Ireland success story is entering a bold new chapter as Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS ) announces a €9.9 million investment in a sweeping sitewide upskilling programme, aimed at transforming the Galway-based firm into a multinational leader in quality and regulatory solutions.
With roots in Clifden and a headquarters in Galway city, CLS has spent over three decades building a reputation as Ireland’s most accredited contract laboratory. Now, with government backing through IDA Ireland, the company is preparing to step confidently into new global markets, including semiconductors, engineering, and the burgeoning green and coastal economy.
The initiative, described by CEO Evelyn O’Toole as “the next phase of growth”, will see every member of the company’s workforce trained over the coming two years. The goal is to bolster CLS’s capacity to offer a full 360° suite of services—from laboratory testing and validation to quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and consultancy—across a broadening industrial landscape.
“Today’s milestone for our company is a testament to the incredible team I have the privilege to work with every day,” said O’Toole. “We are realising our vision of scaling CLS into a multinational enterprise, enhancing our ability to drive growth, efficiency, and effectiveness across multiple industries.”
Accolades
O’Toole’s announcement came on the heels of her recognition at the inaugural Alumni Awards of Atlantic Technological University (ATU ), where she received the award for Science & Health. The accolade marks another chapter in a decorated career that includes honours from GMIT, NUI Galway, and a host of national industry recognitions.
The expansion has been welcomed by Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke TD, who lauded the move as a "major boost for Galway" and a vote of confidence in Ireland as a stable base for international growth.
“CLS is one of the shining stars of the science sector in the West of Ireland,” Burke noted. “This strategic expansion reinforces Ireland’s global standing in innovation and skills development.”
Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, echoed those sentiments, highlighting how the project aligns with the agency’s strategic goals. “Transformation is a key pillar of our strategy, and it’s through initiatives like this that Irish enterprises can future-proof and remain competitive,” he said.
Industrial ambition
Founded in 1994, CLS today employs over 260 staff and supports clients in the MedTech, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and environmental sectors. The company’s evolution from a medium-sized enterprise to a multinational contender underscores a broader story of industrial ambition in the west.
With a strong track record in quality control, training, and compliance services, CLS is now placing equal focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and talent development to stay ahead of the curve in fast-moving sectors.
As it positions itself to deliver operational excellence both onsite and remotely, CLS is not only growing its own business but reaffirming the west of Ireland as a vibrant hub for science, innovation, and industrial expertise.
