BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, today celebrated the 50th anniversary of its plant opening in Drogheda, Co Louth, with an announcement of a €16 million investment in new equipment to expand its production of BD PosiFlush™ syringes and create up to 20 additional jobs in Drogheda.
The investment is supported by the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.
[rev_slider Surety]
Since 1964 the company has continually invested in technology, innovation and training. Over the past five years BD has invested nearly €73 million ($100 million) in its manufacturing plants in Drogheda and Dun Laoghaire.
BD produces BD PosiFlush syringes, safety components for insulin pen needles and lancet blood sampling devices in its Drogheda facility, and employs more than 450 people between its two plants in Drogheda, Co Louth and and Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
“Our additional and ongoing investment in our Drogheda facility reflects BD’s commitment to our associates, the local community and advancing the manufacture of high-quality products that contribute to the health and well-being of patients worldwide,” said Jerry Hurwitz, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, BD. “To be in operation for 50 years is a great testament to the workforce in Drogheda and I am extremely grateful for the contributions of the many associates who have worked with us since we opened our doors in Ireland.”
“We are delighted to announce a new investment of €16 million on a new production line in Drogheda,” said Roland Goette, Vice President and General Manager, BD Medical – Medical Surgical Systems, Europe. “This investment will enable us to serve even more customers around the world, while creating additional job opportunities for the local community.”
Speaking from the USA where he is leading an IDA investment mission, Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton TD said: “BD is a world-leading company and has been a great employer in Ireland for 50 years. I congratulate them on reaching this milestone, and we in Government look forward to working with them as they continue to develop their business here”.
The Minister of State, Mr. Fergus O’Dowd TD, represented the Government at a special lunch to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the plant.
“BD has been at the heart of Drogheda since 1964 and the company has consistently invested in the research and development of new products and provided thousands of local residents with training, development and careers,” said Minister O’Dowd. “The company’s announcement of a further investment is very exciting news and we thank BD for its continued work in Ireland. As a former associate at the company in 1967, I am well aware of the pride the management and staff have always taken in their work. This pride, matched with continued investment by the company, positions BD Drogheda for continued success in the future.”
Barry O’Leary CEO of IDA Ireland said “Today’s announcement that Becton Dickinson is to create an additional 20 jobs and invest €16m at their Drogheda plant is great news for the North East region.
Becton Dickinson was one of the first Medical device companies to locate in Ireland in 1964. Becton Dickinson has been an excellent employer for 50 years in Drogheda. This investment demonstrates the company’s long term commitment to Ireland.
The evolution of Becton Dickinson in Ireland is a great example of a company that has transformed its operations in Ireland. They have succeeded in doing this through strong leadership, continuous innovation and demonstrating the importance BD Ireland to the global growth of Becton Dickinson Inc.”
Since BD started production on Donore Road in 1964, thousands of local people have been employed at the facility and billions of syringes and medical devices have been produced.
