O’Donnell welcomes official opening of Edwards Lifesciences Manufacturing Facility in Castletroy

The opening of Edwards Lifesciences new Manufacturing Facility in Castletroy and the creation of a further 250 jobs is a positive development for Limerick, Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell has said.

The additional jobs created by the company is on top of 600 roles announced in 2019, bringing the total to 850 new jobs at this new state-of the-art facility. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, is in Limerick to officially open this new manufacturing facility for Edwards Lifesciences in the National Technology Park in Castletroy today.

Deputy O’Donnell, who is based in Castletroy, said: “I am delighted to welcome the official opening of the Global leading US medical heart technology company, Edwards Lifesciences manufacturing facility in the National Technological Park in Castletroy. It is incredible that in two and half years since we attended the sod turning here in April 2019 performed by the Tanaiste, Leo Varadkar TD, this state of the art facility has been built on schedule. I wish to congratulate and commend management and all at Edward Lifesciences on this fantastic achievement.

“Edwards Lifesciences’ new state of the art manufacturing facility involves a €160m investment and will now employ an impressive 850 people, a further 250 jobs on top of the 600 originally announced.

“This is a great news day for Limerick City and Castletroy. As a TD for Limerick City and part of the local Community here, I wish to extend a warm welcome to Edwards Lifesciences management to Castletroy and wish them every success with this very ambitious and exciting investment here and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the years ahead. The company has already made a large positive contribution to the economic development, in both investment and new Jobs terms, to our city and region.”

“The plant will manufacture delivery components for its transcatheter heart valve therapies. The 850 jobs created are in roles ranging from leadership opportunities, planning, quality control, assembly, engineering and finance.

“An investment of this magnitude, in terms of both capital and job creation is a serious statement of confidence by Edwards Lifesciences in Brand Limerick and what it and the region continues to offer as a strategic business location.

“One of the key reasons Edwards Lifesciences chose to build their permanent manufacturing plant in Castletroy was the wealth of experience and talented workforce available here in the medical technology area.

“In Castletroy, we already have a significant cluster of leading medical technology companies. UL and TUS Limerick along with MIC provides top quality graduates.”

The US Company, Edwards Lifesciences, selected the National Technological Park, Castletroy as the location for this new purpose-built 170,000 square feet (approx.15,700 square meters) permanent manufacturing facility in 2019 and are supported by IDA Ireland.

Deputy O’Donnell concluded: “I wish to compliment the IDA for their work in supporting this project and for their commitment to attracting jobs and investment to the region.”

The Tánaiste said: “It’s great to be back in Limerick to officially open this fantastic new facility for Edwards Lifesciences. It will employ 250 more people than initially estimated in 2019, bringing the total new jobs being created to 850. It’s an enormous vote of confidence in the Mid-West region and the talent, skills and experience on offer here. Congratulations to the team involved and the very best of luck with this remarkable expansion.”