“€35 million investment to create 120 new jobs” - Tánaiste 

Monday 14th June 2004 
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Harney T.D., announced today (Monday 14th June 2004) that Elan Corporation, Plc. is to establish a new sterile biopharmaceuticals plant at its Athlone facility.

Elan to expand Athlone facility as a key part of its future global business.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Harney T.D., announced today (Monday 14th June 2004) that Elan Corporation, Plc. is to establish a new sterile biopharmaceuticals plant at its Athlone, Co. Roscommon, facility which will create 120 new jobs over the next five years in supervisory, quality control, engineering, laboratory and operative areas.

This €35 million investment is supported by IDA Ireland.

Elan is a biopharmaceutical company and is engaged in the research and development of innovative drugs for a range of diseases. The investment is the result of Elan's concentration in its new corporate strategy to refocus the company towards biopharmaceuticals.
Making the announcement the Tánaiste said: "The decision to locate this facility in Athlone underlines once again Ireland's continued competitiveness and our attraction as a location for investment. The new employment opportunities represent welcome news for the Midlands and the surrounding area. We have secured a major biopharmaceuticals manufacturing presence in a regional location and I congratulate the Irish management team for their success in ensuring that this investment will take place in Athlone."

"I hope this is just a taster of more good news to come. Other important investments invovling major overseas corporations are in the pipeline and I expect to be in a position to make announcements in regard to these matters over the coming weeks," the Tánaiste added.
Mr. Paul Breen, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Services & Operations, Elan, said "We are very pleased with this major investment in the Athlone facility. Together with a further US $178 million investment by Elan in the past few years, this site is now a key part of Elan's overall business strategy. Elan has a long and proud history in Athlone and with this investment we look forward to continuing our presence here."