Almac, the drugs manufacturer based in the Northern Ireland town of Craigavon, is to create 229 new jobs for the region following a £14m investment in its facilities.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, the positions will be split between analytical chemists and others with scientific backgrounds, and the likes of product support, compliance and production line operators.
The investment will go into a new 13,400 square foot development and analytical plant with an expansion of its production line also planned.
The extension of the production line will allow the Craigavon firm to increase production of a laxative drug which is gaining popularity around the world, according to Graeme McBurney, president and managing director of Almac’s business unit.
“The laxative product has been a great success in the UK and increasingly in European markets,” he said.
“The marketing and promotion of the product by our contract customer has been very effective and significant growth potential in several new territories such as China has been identified.
“Centralising and expanding our production in Craigavon will mean more cost-effective manufacturing and optimal quality control and distribution.”
While Almac has yet to reveal the name of the drug nor customer, the company already carries out work for some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.
