Arklow investment creates 200 jobs in healthcare sector

US healthcare company Inamed Corporation is to create over 200 jobs through a €7.4 million investment over the next five years in the expansion of its operations in Arklow, Co. Wicklow.

This new investment will establish the Irish operation as the Global Centre of Manufacturing Excellence for silicone breast implants and as a key strategic site within Inamed's global operations.

Tánaiste Mary Harney has confirmed that the investment will support the anticipated creation of over 200 new jobs over the next five years, with more than half of the jobs being recruited by the end of 2004. The new positions will be at both operative and graduate level, for which specific in-house training will be provided. Recruitment has already commenced.

The Tánaiste said: "The management team and workforce are to be congratulated for winning this investment against intense competition from other Inamed sites. The Irish management, together with IDA Ireland, were successful in persuading Inamed that Arklow was the most suitable location to develop the scale and expertise required by this investment"

Formed in 1989, the Arklow facility has had a successful track record of growth and achievement. It has previously expanded twice and currently employs 190 people. The R&D team at the facility has played a key role in developing expertise in silicone-based products such as `Soft Touch' and `Cohesive' silicone gel implants. Other activities include integrated quality control and administration functions carried out by third level qualified staff.

The Tánaiste said: "The track record of success at the Arklow operation, an ability to supply products overnight, an efficient multilingual customer services operation, an expertise in silicone manufacturing and the knowledge acquired in selling the products to international markets were all influential in winning this investment."

(CL)