The announcement on Monday by Allergan Pharmaceuticals that it plans to create 200 new jobs over the next four years and invest $350 million at its plant in Westport, with an additional estimated 250 indirect jobs during the construction period of the extension, was feted as a top news story for Ireland both nationally and internationally this week.
Welcoming the announcement, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny paid tribute to Pat O’Donnell, MD Allergan, Mayo County Council, and the IDA for helping to realise the project.
“The announcement that Allergen is investing $350 million at its site in Westport is great news for the people of Westport, Mayo, and for Ireland. Against a backdrop of economic crisis, it is a fantastic vote of confidence in Ireland, Allergan Ireland, and its local team, that Allergen would choose Westport for the construction of a new biologics manufacturing facility and an extension of the development facilities.
“This news will breathe new life and hope into an area that has become more accustomed to negative economic news in recent times. This success will be built upon as we attract new investment into the regions.”
The Taoiseach added that Allergan had made a huge contribution to Westport and the west of Ireland since it started manufacturing in 1977.
“It has invested on average $24 million on capital projects in Ireland over the past five years and currently employs over 900 people here in Westport and Dublin. Allergan is a vibrant and vital part of the community here in Westport. As Taoiseach and as a public representative for Mayo, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the contribution you have made to Westport and to Ireland.”
PharmaChemical Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the Irish pharmaceutical and chemical industry, also welcomed the news.
Director Matt Moran stated: "This development demonstrates Allergan's long-term commitment to the country and will transform the Westport facility into a key international strategic hub for the company. Despite current economic challenges, Ireland remains a favoured location for high-end manufacturing investment. The new investment is great news for Westport and for Ireland generally.”
Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary said Allergan’s vote of confidence in Mayo and in its Irish base will help attract further investment from similar multinational firms into the future.
IDA Ireland said the expansion will enable Allergan to expand the manufacturing capacity for BOTOX® (botulinum toxin type A ) and to develop a manufacturing base for the next generation of biologic products currently in the Allergan pipeline.
Mayo Fine Gael TD and Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring, described the 200 jobs as a “fantastic boost for Westport and Mayo”.
“This is great news for the town and for the whole county. Allergan is an excellent employer in Westport, with a loyal and experienced workforce. The multi-million euro investment will expand the manufacturing capacity at the site, as well as its development facilities.”
Councillor Myles Staunton, a member of the Westport Multi Agency Enterprise Group, said the development provided an endorsement of Westport as a location for significant industry and enterprise of the highest standards, adding: “We have worked hard over a number of years to portray Westport as a location which is open for business. This vindicates fully the decision to go ahead with the enterprise centre which will be an important part in Allergan’s expansion.”
