MSD, known as Merck in the US and Canada, announced that it will create 330 new jobs and invest €280 million over the next three years at two of its Irish manufacturing sites - important links in MSD’s global network of manufacturing plants. MSD maintains headquarters for the company and manufacturing division in the US.

The new jobs, which will be created in Carlow and Cork, are as a result of increased global demand for MSD’s medicines and vaccines produced in Ireland, while the investment will see both sites expand production facilities and capacity to meet that demand.

The announcement was welcomed by the Minster for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD, who addressed over 1,200 senior MSD business leaders from 50 countries, gathered in Dublin for MSD’s annual EMEAC (Europe, Middle East, Africa & Canada) Congress.

MSD in Brinny, Co. Cork is an integrated site for the development, testing and manufacturing of biologics, specialising in the fermentation, purification and sterile filling of biotech products. More than 200 new hires will be needed to meet demand for its work on some of the company's important treatments – medicines for lung cancer, melanoma, hepatitis C and rheumatoid arthritis.  

MSD in Carlow, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and the company’s first stand-alone vaccine and biologics facility outside the US, plans to create 120 new roles. Carlow also is an important link in MSD’s network of sites producing our new immuno-oncology treatment for the global market.

Available roles at the sites include technical, engineering, biochemistry, biology, quality and operations positions.

Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor said that she "Warmly welcomed the new investment and additional jobs announced by the company for their facilities in Carlow and Co. Cork. MSD has been at the cutting edge of bio pharmaceutical innovation over recent years and their Irish operations are at the heart of many of the company's exciting new products.  It is particularly gratifying that this expansion and additional job creation will take place in two regional locations, thereby strengthening the Government's efforts to ensure balanced industrial development around the country.”

Speaking at the announcement in Dublin, Sanat Chattopadhyay, MSD Executive Vice President and President of MSD’s Manufacturing Division, said: “Today’s announcement is a reflection of MSD Ireland’s positive standing in our global network, a vote of confidence in our people and their work, and a sign of MSD’s future commitment to Ireland. The expansion of our presence in Ireland is a testament to the talent of our Irish employees. In recent years our Irish businesses have played an increasingly important role in the production of some of MSD’s most important breakthrough medicines for the global market.”

Ger Brennan, Managing Director of MSD Human Health in Ireland, said: “Sustained investment in Ireland over the last five decades has positioned MSD and our employees to play a significant role in responding to the world’s most vital, unmet health needs. Our existing portfolio and future pipeline ensure current and future employees can operate at the cutting edge of science and technology. Today, our Irish sites are involved in the production of over 50% of MSD’s global top 20 products, exporting to over 60 countries worldwide and helping lead the development of new life-changing medicines for patients, including MSD’s new treatments for cancer and hepatitis C.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland said, “MSD’s decision to invest in its Irish operations across a number of regional locations further strengthens Ireland’s positioning as a global destination for manufacturing excellence in biopharmaceuticals. It is pleasing that MSD continues to evolve, grow and innovate from Ireland to continue to meet patient needs around the world.”

MSD currently employs over 1,600 people across four sites in Ireland – in Carlow, Cork, Dublin and Tipperary. Its extensive Irish operations, encompassing manufacturing, commercial, global financial services and marketing facilities, had a turnover of €4.7 billion in 2016.

MSD has a strong legacy in Ireland that stretches back over the last 50 years, and has seen the company invest over $2.5 billion in expanding and developing its facilities here. MSD provides healthcare solutions and innovative medicines in areas such as diabetes, heart disease, immuno-oncology, infectious diseases and vaccines.