Drogheda teams’ quality of work contributes to attracting global funding
Global medical technology company Becton Dickinson (BD) it is to spend €62m on a major expansion and create 100 new jobs at its plant at Donore Road, Drogheda which was first established in 1964.
In a statement released ahead of todays offical launch at the plant today, Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar TD said that the company’s continued investment, since 1964, has contributed to quality healthcare in Ireland and to the local community.
“I’m really happy to be in Drogheda today with BD, to announce this incredible expansion, which will be a real boost for the local community. €62million is being invested, with help from the Government through the IDA” he said.
“100 new jobs are being created and the fact that half of the posts have already been filled is a testament to the rich talent pool that is available in Drogheda. I wish the team the very best of luck with their growth plans,” he said.
The new 52,000sq ft facility has already started production and 50 of the 100 new jobs have been filled. The remaining career opportunities will be filled in the 2022/23 as production reaches full capacity. The skill sets required include engineering, production, machine operations, logistics, management and administration.
Mr Liam Dillon, BD Medical Site Director in Drogheda said the company’s ongoing investment in the Drogheda facility reflects BD’s commitment to its employees, the local community.
“We currently employ over 240 associates (staff) at the plant. Many are the second generation of family members joining the company. We see this expansion as a commitment to the local economy in Drogheda and surrounding areas. I believe that the commitment to quality by the BD team here will attract further investment from BD Global in the near future and in turn create additional career opportunities in Drogheda,” he said.
The investment is supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment through IDA Ireland and Liam thanked the IDA for their support over the years.
The President of Drogheda & District Chamber, Robert Murray told Drogheda Life that they are delighted with this significant jobs announcement news today for our town.
“Drogheda has a long and proud tradition of innovation, industry, and enterprise” he said. “This latest expansion by BD, demonstrates huge commitment to our existing and future talent locally.
“Drogheda is one of Ireland’s most well connected locations, ideally situated on the Dublin to Belfast M1Corridor, making it a strategically advantageous hub for businesses like BD operating within Ireland and Internationally. BD has been employing local talent for almost 60 years and we thank them for their continued investment here.”
Welcoming the news local TD, Fergus O’Dowd, said: “This a really positive day for Drogheda, with this investment BD have reaffirmed their absolute commitment to the people of Drogheda.
“This announcement will see an expansion of their operations in their PosiFlush™ syringes in their new 52,000 square foot complex. The company have also signalled that they are targeting further jobs and production facilities for 2022/23.
“This announcement comes on the back of a number of other positive announcements for the town including ITRenew’s recent job announcement and the continued AWS investment on their Donore Rd site.
“Drogheda continues to promote itself as a very attractive location for inward investment. We have many highly skilled and talented workers in our town and BD has recognised this with their announcement.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the company as my own working career started on this very site back in 1966, I have very fond memories of the company and hope many other Droghedians will have similar memories in generations ahead.
“I wish BD and their workforce the best of luck in the months and years ahead and look forward seeing their company grow from strength to strength.”
