Business

Almac expands Dundalk operation 'to meet EU needs'

Almac’s Dundalk facility
Almac’s Dundalk facility Almac’s Dundalk facility

PHARMA giant Almac in injecting significantly more resources in its Dundalk operation and has been officially licensed by the Republic's regulator to conduct certain clinical tests which will further "Brexit-proof" the business.

Although headquartered in Craigavon, Almac is investing £30 million in its European campus just 40 minutes away across the border in Louth to ensure it meets what is says is "current and future client needs in the EU marketplace".

It will include a new quality control laboratory and packaging facility for commercial drug products and a dedicated 79,000 sq ft distribution centre for clinical trial supply.

The investment will more than treble the good manufacturing practice footprint in the Dundalk operation, which is scheduled to be operationally ready by January 2019.

The facility has also passed an inspection by the Health Products Regulatory Authority and is looking forward to being officially licensed to conduct QP (qualified person) batch certification and release for both clinical trial material and commercial drug production.

Almac sees Dundalk as being central to increasing the group’s global footprint and providing an expanded presence within the EU for both clinical trial supplies and commercial drug product operations, thereby providing uninterrupted service provision to its global clients.

Chief executive and chairman Alan Armstrong said: “Achieving these successful HPRA inspections is a key milestone. In addition, the announcement of further expansion will ensure our current and future clients receive a seamless solution with access to the EU marketplace.

"Crucially this will ensure an uninterrupted service provision through any uncertainty Brexit may bring, and for the future, keeping Almac as a global leader in the life sciences sector.”