The 29,490 sqm factory is producing devices that monitor glucose levels, which can be used by people living with diabetes. Abbott says the facility will have the highest production of the FreeStyle Libre sensors in the world.
The sensors do away with the need for people with diabetes to conduct finger-prick tests several times a day in order to check their glucose levels. Said to be the world’s smallest sensors of their type, they are affixed to the back of patients’ arms. Abbott says they help more than 6 million people in over 60 countries.
The industrial building in Kilkenny is fully electric, powered by six air-to-water heat pumps, with almost 600 solar panels on the roof, plus tanks for collecting rainwater to use onsite.
The opening ceremony was attended by Taoiseach Simon Harris and by the chairman and CEO of Abbott, Robert Ford. Abbott has been operating in Ireland since 1946, and produces a number of other healthcare products and medical devices. It already employs about 6,000 people here, working on 10 sites including two in Dublin and two in Sligo.
The company has announced it is also expanding its manufacturing capacity across Europe and has made an £85m investment in a facility in Witney in Britain. In total, the company employs 114,000 people around the world.
“The state-of-the-art Kilkenny facility will have the highest production of Libre sensors in the world to help meet the growing global demand for our world-leading FreeStyle Libre portfolio,” Mr Ford said.
“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.”
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – November 18th
The Taoiseach said that Abbott is one of the longest-established global companies and largest employers in the country. “This latest investment is a further vote of confidence in Ireland as a location for world-class advanced manufacturing and healthcare businesses,” Mr Harris said. “With the opening of this new site, Ireland is now at the global centre of diabetes care.”
Abbott also announced a $100,000 grant to the Ireland Funds, which will pay for three 2024 Leaving Certificate graduates to take up third-level education. The scholarship recipients are from Deis schools in Co Kilkenny, including Castlecomer Community School. The students are all taking Stem subjects.