There has been widespread welcome to the news that 100 jobs are to be created in Athlone by medical devices company Teleflex.
The jobs announcement was made by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton last Thursday.
The new high-skilled jobs will bring the workforce to 260 at Teleflex’s Athlone plant over the next three years. Teleflex currently employs 160 people in Athlone and 176 in their Limerick plant.
The company makes medical devices for critical care and surgery, and has research and development facilities at both locations. The company set up the Athlone operation in 2007.
Fine Gael TD Gabrielle McFadden said the announcement was welcome news for Athlone and surrounding areas.
“We all know that an economic recovery is underway in the larger urban areas but for some time I have been advocating the need to ensure this recovery is felt across the regions. [This] announcement is clear evidence of the Government’s commitment to regional job creation and investment in the Midlands.
“Teleflex has been a great employer in Athlone since 2007 and this expansion demonstrates their commitment to the town for the future.”
Labour’s Deputy Willie Penrose said the news meant Athlone could position itself as a “med-pharma centre of excellence”.
“The 100 highly skilled jobs being created by Teleflex are exactly the kind of quality employment we need to attract to the area.
“Coming as it does on top of investments by Jazz and Alexion earlier in the year, I believe [this] announcement helps to build on Athlone’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class medical and pharmaceutical companies.
“I wish the company and its staff the very best with this expansion, and hope to see more positive announcements like this for the Midlands in the near future,” he said.
