Research & Innovation

3 April – Dublin, Alexion Pharma International Trading, a subsidiary of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., today announced its plans to expand its operations in Ireland following the acquisition of a new site in West Dublin.  The Company expects that this expansion will create approximately 200 new jobs at Alexion as part of an investment of approximately €75 million in this new site over the next two years.  In addition to the company jobs, up to 200 new construction jobs are also expected to be created as a result of this expansion.

 
With operations to serve patients in nearly 50 countries around the world, Alexion announced its decision to establish global supply chain and quality operations in Ireland in July 2013, and today the company currently employs more than 60 people at its first site in Park West.  In February 2014, Alexion announced plans to acquire a second site in Athlone to create an aseptic vial fill finish facility – further enhancing its presence in Ireland and creating additional highly-skilled jobs. With today’s announcement of Alexion’s plans for a third site, the company’s total job creation in Ireland is expected to rise to approximately 300 by 2016. Alexion has begun recruitment for the College Park posts to build on its existing workforce and capabilities in Ireland.

Speaking at today’s announcement, Leonard Bell M.D., CEO of Alexion Pharmaceuticals stated: “As we expand our global mission to transform the lives of patients with severe and rare disorders, we are pleased to announce our commitment to Ireland as a key location for Alexion’s global supply chain operations. Our choice of Ireland reflects the calibre of the workforce and the country’s culture of innovation, and we look forward to an ongoing partnership with the Irish Government, IDA Ireland and local communities in the years to come.”

Welcoming the announcement today An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD who was guest of honour at the company announcement in Dublin, said: ”Today marks a significant commitment by Alexion to Ireland through the proposed construction of their new Global Supply Chain facility at College Park, Blanchardstown.  Alexion’s intention to create 200 new jobs here on top of their already growing workforce is another vote of confidence in Ireland.  The company was recognised by Forbes as the world’s second most innovative and I am delighted it has chosen to establish operations in the country that magazine recognised as the best in the world for business. As a Government, we are determined to deliver jobs and investment and today’s welcome announcement is another step in getting Ireland working again.”

Also present at the announcement was Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD who met senior executives from Alexion on a recent IDA mission to the United States.  Speaking at the special event, Minister Bruton said: “The Government has identified biopharmaceuticals as a key sector for job creation in the Action Plan for Jobs and we are working hard to build on our strengths in this field. Despite global difficulties employment in the pharma sector in Ireland is growing. Today’s announcement by Alexion that it will create 200 new skilled jobs in Blanchardstown – as well as up to 200 construction jobs – is a hugely welcome boost for west Dublin and for Ireland. Through my Department and the IDA, I look forward to building on our strong relationship with Alexion and wish them every success with this project”.

Commenting on the announcement Barry O’Leary, CEO,  IDA Ireland said “Alexion is one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies –their choice of Ireland as a location for their business is an endorsement of the strong infrastructure we have available for pharma companies.  The strong flow of investment into Ireland from biopharmaceutical companies is due to our flexible workforce and dedicated training programs, such as those available in the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) which develop specific skills required in the biopharma industry.”

Alexion has been granted Planning Permission from Fingal County Council to construct a new 15,000 m2 laboratory, office, packaging and warehouse facility on a 41 acre greenfield site at College Park in Blanchardstown. The initial phase of the project will see the creation of approximately 200 new jobs by 2016 in Supply Chain, Quality Control Packaging, Warehousing and supporting functions.  The proposed €75 million investment is also expected to create an additional 200 construction jobs over a two year period.

Headquartered in Cheshire, Connecticut (USA), Alexion is global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and delivery of life-transforming therapies for patients with severe and life-threatening rare disorders.  Alexion has more than 1,800 dedicated employees worldwide and operations in place to serve patients in nearly 50 countries.

For further information, please contact:
John Byrne / Martha Kavanagh, Drury (Representing Alexion), Tel: + 353 1 260 5000
IDA Ireland – Kevin Sammon 01-6034000 / 087-6188564
DJEI – Conor Quinn, Tel: 01- 631 2200, 087-3743783