Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Ireland UC, a global leader in eye health and part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, has announced an expansion of its existing facility in Plassey, Limerick. The €100 million investment has the potential to create 80 new jobs and will support the company’s ambition to redefine healthy sight for life for more people around the world.

The Johnson & Johnson Vision site in Limerick is one of the largest contact lens manufacturing facilities in the world. The investment will expand the facility’s manufacturing capacity, with the installation of fully automated flexible manufacturing lines built with industry-leading technology. This will support the future growth of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care’s ACUVUE® Astigmatism product family and deliver the company’s future new product introduction pipeline. Construction is currently underway with production expected to commence in 2024.

Recruitment is currently underway across a range of roles including in Operations (Process and Production Technicians), Engineering (Manufacturing Engineers and Supervisors), and Quality (Lab Technicians and Engineers). To learn more about joining the Johnson & Johnson Vision team in Limerick visit www.careers.jnj.com.

Speaking at today’s announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “The MedTech sector is a crucial part of the Irish economy, and the continued commitment shown by Johnson & Johnson Vision to do business here is most welcome. The work done at their Limerick facility has a profound impact on the lives of people all over the world, and I am delighted that this site continues to go from strength to strength.”

The Johnson & Johnson Vision site in Limerick plays a key role in the Johnson & Johnson Vision contact lens business, supporting the production of the company’s fastest-growing daily disposable lenses​ for global markets.

“Our aspiration is to bring improved sight to people around the world through the research, development, and manufacturing of new medical device technologies”, said John Lynch, Plant Leader, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Ireland Unlimited Company. “We have been in Limerick for more than 25 years and our success is testament to our talented workforce. We will hope to add 80 new roles as part of this announcement. It is an incredible opportunity to join a diverse workforce made up of the best and brightest minds, delivering cutting edge medical technologies that transform lives.”  

Chris Ewer, Vice President, E2E Supply Chain Leader, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. said: “Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment. With the growth of our manufacturing operations in Limerick and our strong supply chain network around the world, we look forward to supporting more patients and eye care professionals with the products they need where they need them. Our 25 years of experience working in Ireland is remarkable and the expansion of our site is proof of our commitment to helping more patients around the globe.”

CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan said: “IDA Ireland welcomes this investment by Johnson & Johnson in its Vision Care facility in Limerick. This is a testament to the success of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care’s operations in Ireland over the past 26 years. I wish them continued success in their operations and ongoing partnership with IDA Ireland.”

The Limerick site has a strong track record in environmentally sustainable operations, and the facility is powered by electricity from 100 percent renewable sources, including wind generation from an onsite turbine. The site has been ISO 50001 certified since 2015 and this has helped deliver continued energy performance.