McFadden welcomes expansion of PPD operations in Athlone

Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has welcomed the continued growth of Pharmaceutical Product Development’s (PPD) operations in Athlone with the news it is to   add a new, state-of-the-art laboratory to its Athlone facility.

“Four years ago, the North Carolina pharma company opened a new analytical testing laboratory at the IDA’s Garrycastle Business and Technology Park in Athlone.

“Today’s expansion confirms for me once again that the local talent and skills base in the Midlands is a big plus in attracting companies like PPD and I know, for example, that Athlone IT has provided it with a pool of graduates over the last number of years.

“I’m also delighted to hear that PPD will employ almost 150 people at the facility once the expansion programme is complete.

“The Government is committed to making sure the regions benefit from the recovery.

“The first of Minister Bruton’s regional enterprise strategies will be rolled out in the Midlands very shortly and will look at a variety of specific job creation initiatives.

“Undoubtedly, the region’s talent base will be a central plank to these plans.”