[30.11.2007 first posted on silicon republic]
Healthcare company Baxter International is investing more than €75m over six years to introduce new technologies and develop higher-value added products in its manufacturing plants in Co Mayo.

The investment is supported by IDA Ireland. The strategic programme will also provide for extensive re-skilling of the existing workforce in the Castlebar and Swinford plants.
Its aim is to establish a development and innovation capability, enhance therapies for the treatment of patients with renal failure, introduce new generation manufacturing processes, upgrade existing manufacturing facilities and advanced drug delivery and packaging systems and provide for extensive re-skilling of the existing workforce.
Baxter was the world’s first producer of commercially prepared IV solutions and as well as the two manufacturing facilities in Mayo, which jointly employ more than 900 full-time and 100 temporary staff, it operates a sales and marketing operation and European Shared Services Centre in Dublin, employing 150 people.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin TD commented: “This investment programme, which is supported by the Government and IDA Ireland and is targeted at enhancing the value of products and services, mirrors the Government’s strategy for Ireland’s economic future.. The investment will strengthen the Mayo operation and existing workforce and secure its position as an integral part of Baxter’s global operations into the future.”
General manager of Baxter Manufacturing in Ireland Pat Gallagher remarked: “This joint investment is very significant for the future of Baxter in Mayo and for the economic and social fabric of the whole region. It also represents a vote of confidence in the capabilities of the workforce. As employees we all take great pride in knowing that what we do every day impacts positively on the life of another human being someplace around the world.”
By Niall Byrne