Merck says the new Blarney site is its first manufacturing facility designed for ‘full climate-neutral operations’ and will operate on 100pc renewable electricity.
Pharmaceutical giant Merck has officially opened a new €150m filtration manufacturing facility in Blarney Business Park in Cork today (18 September).
The new 3,000 sq m facility, which is expected to begin production in the fourth quarter of this year, will produce filtration devices used in the manufacturing of life-saving therapies, including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and new modalities such as cell and gene therapies.
As part of its expansion in Cork, Merck said it will be creating 200 jobs in the county, which are expected to be filled by 2028. At the time of publication, there is no specific information available on what types of roles will be filled.
According to Merck, the new Blarney site is the company’s first manufacturing facility designed for “full climate-neutral operations”. The company said the facility will operate on 100pc renewable electricity and will utilise a heat recovery system to avoid up to 61 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalents annually.
The cleanroom facility will also reuse up to 95pc of high-purity water generated during its manufacturing processes, according to today’s release.
“Today’s opening is a proud moment for our Cork team,” said Mark Dunphy, managing director and head of Cork operations at Merck Life Science Ireland. “The new Blarney facility not only underscores Merck’s long-term commitment to Ireland but also highlights the incredible talent and expertise we have here in Cork.
“This investment strengthens our ability to deliver cutting-edge technologies that support the manufacture of breakthrough therapies for patients around the world.”
The new facility forms part of Merck’s €440m commitment to expanding its Cork operations in Blarney and Carrigtwohill – the company’s largest life science investment in Ireland to date.
As well as the new Blarney facility, Merck’s Cork investment – which was first announced in 2022 – also committed €290m to increase its membrane manufacturing capacity at its existing site in Carrigtwohill.
Speaking on today’s announcement, Jean-Charles Wirth, CEO of Merck Life Science, said Ireland is “a leading hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation for Europe and globally”.
“By expanding manufacturing in Cork, we reinforce our in-region-for-region manufacturing and supply model, shortening lead times, reducing cross-border risks and giving customers reliable access to critical filtration technologies they need to deliver life-changing therapies.”
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