Wasdell Group To Create 300 Jobs In Dundalk

Wasdell Group, a UK-based pharmaceutical packaging, testing and distribution company, has announced the creation of 300 jobs at a new facility to be established in Dundalk.

The privately owned British company's capability includes clinical trials packing, primary and secondary packaging and distribution of biopharmaceutical products. The company also offers contract manufacturing services with FDA and MHRA approved analytical and microbiology laboratories. The new Dundalk facility will be the company's EU hub for qualified persons in (QP) release, analytical testing, primary and secondary pharmaceutical packaging and distribution. Wasdell is to build a 70,000 sq. ft. greenfield facility on a c.2.88 hectare site at IDA's site in Mullagharlin, Dundalk, representing an investment of €30M.

Speaking at today's announcement, Minister of State for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD, said: "Wasdell's decision to locate this new operation in Dundalk bringing 300 new jobs to the town is a great vote of confidence in what Ireland has to offer, especially in a regional location. The Government has been driving job creation in locations which are away from the bigger cities, and this new operation in Dundalk is a great vindication of that policy. It will provide additional facilities and services for our thriving pharmaceutical sector. This project builds on the tremendous success we have had, in bringing new foreign project to Dundalk which has helped transform the economic standing of the town over a relatively short period."

Martin Tedham, Wadell Group MD stated: "Due to the rate of growth we are experiencing and the ongoing requirement to maintain capacity, a site in Ireland will be a means to facilitate this as well as an exciting opportunity for the group and specifically the Wasdell Packaging division. We have always had a strong customer base in Ireland and we are certain that this trend will continue with the impending Brexit situation as companies typically from the UK and USA look to securing a base to service their European markets.

"We have always been a business that changes to accommodate the needs of the market and its customer base. Having a facility in Ireland and the European market makes sense and we are very excited about this new opportunity as well as extending our geographical footprint."

The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

(MH/CD)