The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD and Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD has just announced that Johnson & Johnson Vision Care operating as Vistakon Ireland is to invest over €100 million in the expansion of its manufacturing operations at its site in the National Technology Park, Plassey, Limerick.

It is expected that the 18 month construction phase will create 200 temporary positions.

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Vistakon Ireland was established in Limerick in 1996 and is one of several Johnson & Johnson companies operating in Ireland, altogether employing approximately 2,500 associates. Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, designs, manufactures and markets the ACUVUE® range of soft disposable contact lenses, the world’s number one brand.

Making the announcement Minister Bruton, who has held discussions with senior Johnson & Johnson Vision Care executives in relation to a number of projects since taking office, said: “Life sciences is a key sector which we have targeted as part of our Action Plan for Jobs, and in recent years we have seen an impressive jobs performance in this area. This has played a major role in the announcement of over 2500 jobs in IDA-backed companies in Limerick since this Government took office, a major turnaround from the difficult period the city went through previously. Today’s announcement by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, a world-leading company and a great employer in Ireland for many years, that it is investing and expanding further in Limerick is another really important boost for the Mid West.”

Commenting on the announcement during a visit to the site, Dr Mark Benson, Vice President Supply Chain, Consumer Medical Devices, Johnson & Johnson said “Limerick was chosen for this strategically important investment because of its track record over many years in providing quality products and excellent customer service to markets around the globe. I would like to acknowledge IDA Ireland which is a key partner for us in our ongoing growth and development.”

Minister Noonan said “Vistakon Ireland has been a highly respected employer in the Mid West Region for over fifteen years. All the Johnson & Johnson companies in Ireland have an extensive network of Irish suppliers for goods and services, all of which contribute significantly to the Irish economy.”

Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, said the announcement by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care is a vote of confidence in Limerick as an investment hub. “Our excellent third level institutions, our talented workforce and the growing vibrancy of Limerick as a cultural centre are vital elements in attracting quality employers such as Johnson & Johnson to invest.”

Welcoming the announcement, IDA Ireland CEO, Martin Shanahan said: “Johnson & Johnson’s  contribution to the Irish economy and the Mid West region in particular, is substantial.  Johnson & Johnson is an excellent example of a company that continues to innovate and invest substantially in its production processes. This further investment by the world’s largest diversified healthcare company is a very positive development for the future.”