PHARMA giant Almac has announced plans to set up a new facility in Derry, creating up to 100 jobs.
The Craigavon-headquartered company, which develops and manufactures pharmaceuticals, said its latest expansion comes on the back of significant growth.
The company employs 5,600 people in 18 global locations, including 3,600 at its massive Co Armagh campus.
Almac is now targeting the north west to created 100 highly skilled posts over the next three years.
Group chief executive Alan Armstrong said: “We are experiencing significant growth and have a need to support our many clients across the globe.
“With substantial advancement in technology, we are fortunate to be able to locate our employees anywhere we choose offering greater flexibility and access to our various range of services.
“Given the skills pipeline coming from Ulster University at Magee and Coleraine, combined with the excellent choice of workspace available in the Derry/Londonderry area, we have decided to explore this region as our next Almac location.”
The initial recruitment drive is already under way, with project management and software engineering positions at all levels being advertised.
The company said experience of the pharmaceutical industry is not an essential requirement, as full on-the-job training is provided.
“We are proud to have our global headquarters based in Northern Ireland and it is our plan to expand our reach and establish a base in the north west,” continued Mr Armstrong.
“We are hopeful that, when word spreads about our expansion plans to this region, we will be able to obtain the required numbers and quality of job applicants who are keen to join us and support our mission to advance human health globally.”
President of Londonderry Chamber, Dawn McLaughlin described Almac’s move as “a massive boost” for the north west as it recovers from the pandemic.
“Almac’s decision to establish a new base in the north west also reflects our region’s growing reputation in sectors such as diagnostics, health and life sciences, tech, AI, and robotics, and complements the recent Derry and Strabane City Deal announcement," she said.
“Inward investment and job creation like this will drive economic growth in the north west and will be vital as we rebuild post-lockdown.”
