US medical technology firm Abbott has opened its new diabetes monitoring device manufacturing facility in Kilkenny that will employ 800 people.
The 30,000sq ft facility is part of a €440m investment in Ireland, which includes the expansion of the company’s Donegal site, where a further 200 jobs are being created.
Abbott will produce FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors in Kilkenny, the latest generation in its glucose monitoring portfolio.
Abbott has been operating in Ireland since 1946 and serves the Irish market with a range of products including diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices, and nutritional products. It currently employs about 6,000 people across 10 sites. The new Kilkenny site is fully electric, powered by six air-to-water heat pumps with nearly 600 solar panels on the roof.
Abbott Chairman and CEO Robert Ford said the facility will have the highest production of Libre sensors in the world to meet the growing global demand for the devices.
“Ireland plays a crucial role in helping Abbott deliver on our purpose, with 10 sites across all four provinces supporting our work in diagnostics, medical devices and nutrition,” he said.
“During its 78-year legacy, Abbott has brought substantial economic and employment benefits to Ireland,” said Michael Lohan, Chief Executive Officer, IDA Ireland. “The decision by Abbott to establish in Kilkenny exemplifies IDA Ireland’s continued commitment to winning jobs and investments in regional locations.”