MSD Ireland acquisition of WuXi plant in Dundalk welcomed

News that pharmaceutical company MSD Ireland has acquired the WuXi Vaccines manufacturing facility in Dundalk has been welcomed by Louth TDs Paula Butterly and Erin McGreehan.

Fine Gael TD, Paula Butterly told the Dundalk Democrat that this significant development represents an investment of over €500 million and the creation of 150 additional jobs at the Dundalk site. The state-of-the-art Dundalk facility, spanning over 15,000 square meters, currently employs approximately 200 professionals. It is equipped to deliver global vaccine manufacturing, including drug substance and product manufacturing, as well as quality control labs.

Deputy Butterly believes that with this acquisition, MSD is reinforcing its commitment to Ireland, where it already employs over 3,000 people across eight locations nationwide. “This is very welcomed news for Dundalk and County Louth”, said Deputy Butterly.

“MSD’s decision to invest in Dundalk demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in our talented workforce and the potential of our region. This acquisition not only secures current employment but ensures future growth and stability in our local economy.”

The news comes as part of MSD’s broader expansion in Ireland, which includes plans to create 1,000 jobs across counties Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Louth, Meath, and Tipperary over the next year. This follows previous investments totalling €1 billion in Carlow and Dunboyne last year, bringing MSD’s total investment in Ireland to €3 billion over the past three years.

The Fine Gael TD continued: “The announcement highlights the immense opportunities available to us in Louth, placing our county at the centre of a thriving pharmaceutical and biopharma sector. It’s a clear signal of continued growth and investment in the region, and I look forward to working closely with MSD to ensure its success”, Deputy Butterly added.

The official handover process for the Dundalk facility is set to be completed in the first half of 2025, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for the region, Deputy Butterly further added.

Fianna Fáil TD, Erin McGreehan, also welcomed the acquisition of WuXi's Dundalk manufacturing facility by MSD Ireland, saying that it is “a vote of confidence in Louth and will bring jobs and investment to the Dundalk region”. Deputy McGreehan told the Dundalk Democrat that, “this announcement is hugely welcome and will provide a real boost to the economy in Dundalk and indeed across County Louth.”

Deputy McGreehan continued: “MSD Ireland's acquisition will include the creation of 150 additional jobs as part of an overall increase of 1,000 positions across its Irish operations in the coming years, which means further positive growth for industry in Louth.

“This acquisition and investment is a huge vote of confidence that is testament to our county and its potential.” The Fianna Fáíl TD added, “I look forward to working with MSD Ireland on their expansion in Louth, where their newly acquired Dundalk site focuses on drug substance manufacturing, drug product manufacturing and quality control labs for the supply of vaccine products for the global market."