GlaxoSmithKline

“The deciding factors which resulted in the Cork operation being the location of choice …were the excellent work of the existing R&D team, the dedication and commitment of the workforce which has resulted in the consistent success of the facility, our proven experience in project management and the support of the Irish Government through IDA Ireland”. Finbar Whyte, Vice-President, GSK Cork

At a Glance

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world with leadership in three major therapeutic areas – anti-infectives, central nervous system and respiratory.

It was formed through the December 2000 merger of British drugmakers Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKlineBeecham. Headquartered in London, it employs over 101,000 people worldwide and has an extensive global sales and marketing network with product supplied from 78 sites in 37 countries.
 

GlaxoSmithKlein in Ireland

GSK employs 1,450 people in Ireland and first established operations here in 1975. It has two manufacturing operations in Dungarvan and is the largest employer in the town with almost 700 staff; it has a third manufacturing operation, where it develops and produces a range of bulk pharmaceuticals, together with R&D and European Trading operations in Cork; and in Dublin there are Sales and Marketing functions.

Cork – a strategic global new product introduction site

Established in 1974, the Cork plant is a strategic global new product introduction site within GSK’s manufacturing network and is currently the sole production site for a number of the Group’s top selling drugs such as Seroxat which is an anti-depressant, Avandia which addresses Type 2 diabetes and Coreg which treats serious heart conditions.

€250 million investment in Cork production site

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is to invest up to €250 million over five years in its production site at Currabinny, Co. Cork to manufacture products, including the active ingredient for TYKERB® (lapatinib), a new oral treatment for advanced breast cancer. The investment is supported by IDA Ireland and will create up to 150 new high level positions.

Dungarvan – base for two manufacturing plants

GSK has two manufacturing plants based in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. One is a global pharmaceutical manufacturing facility engaged in the production of a range of over the counter pharmaceuticals. Products include Panadol, Coldrex, Solpadeine and Panadol Extra. The second is an oral care facility manufacturing products such as dental fixative and denture cleaning tablets.

€30 million manufacturing expansion in Dungarvan

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is to invest a further €30 million in the expansion of its existing over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. The investment will create 50 new high quality jobs over three years in the production of a product to aid smoking cessation, for supply to all markets outside of North America. The jobs will be in areas of production, quality, technical and engineering.

Research and Development ActivitiesMajor drug discovery collaborative research project worth up to €13.7m

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is establishing a ground breaking research project into gastrointestinal diseases, in collaboration with Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) in UCC. This project is jointly supported by IDA Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and will involve an investment of up to €13.7m.

€14.6m investment in collaboration on R&D for Alzheimer's disease

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), with the support of IDA Ireland, is investing up to €14.6m in a collaboration with the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience (TCIN) and NUI Galway, on a major Research & Development programme for the discovery of new therapies to treat Alzheimer’s Disease.

Benefits of locating in Ireland Global base for pharmaceutical Research and Development

Ireland’s commitment to creating a base for global pharmaceutical R&D was a vital element in GSK’s decision to invest €34 million for R&D at the Cork plant.

Ireland’s Pharmaceutical Professionals

The Irish Government’s ongoing investment in the pharmaceutical sector has created a bank of highly skilled pharmaceutical professionals and technicians to work in this area. This has provided a strong resource for the GSK’s future development of pharmaceutical and healthcare products.

Supply Chain Management

Ireland’s experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and the supply of active ingredients and finished products has contributed to ongoing efficiencies for GSK worldwide.

Manufacturing Quality

Ireland’s commitment to the highest pharmaceutical manufacturing standards helps to ensure that GSK’s Irish sites meet and exceed international criteria.

Additional Benefits for Locating in Ireland Favourable Tax Benefits

The favourable inward investment tax benefits offered by the Irish Government have contributed to cost efficiencies within GSK.

Find further benefits of locating in Ireland in Why Ireland?