J&J Invests in Biologic Manufacturing Capacity Expansion in Ireland

On Oct. 5, 2017, Janssen Sciences Ireland UC, a Johnson & Johnson company, announced an expansion of its Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, facility in Ireland, in which the company will make an investment of more than EUR 300 million (US$355 million). The expansion will add an additional 19,100 m² of manufacturing space for biologic medicines to the already existing manufacturing structure and will allow the company to continue to meet patient needs in the areas of multiple myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohns disease.

The company has operated a biopharmaceutical supply-chain facility on its 40-hectare site in Ringaskiddy since 2005.  The proposed expansion project includes: construction of a new manufacturing building; expansion of the existing warehouse building, laboratory, and administration buildings; and modification or expansion of other aspects of the existing site and infrastructure, including utilities, car parking, underground services, internal roads, yards, and pipe racks. In addition, the on-site wastewater treatment plant will be expanded to accommodate increased volumes.

Construction is expected to take approximately two years, beginning in October 2017, and will provide employment for up to 450 people during construction and an extra 200 people once completed.

Confirming the expansion announcement on behalf of Janssen, Remo Colarusso, vice-president, Manufacturing and Technical Operations, said in a company press release, “[T]his expansion will increase Janssen’s global manufacturing capacity of biologic medicines, which is in keeping with our Credo commitment to provide the highest quality products to patients. Our Ringaskiddy site is an important part of Janssen’s global manufacturing network and this expansion will allow us to grow in a location that offers an advanced infrastructure, a high-performance culture, and top-level talent.”

Source: Johnson & Johnson