BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. has made headlines with its announcement of a significant €60 million investment geared towards the expansion of its state-of-the-art facility located in Shanbally, Co. Cork. This ambitious expansion plan encompasses the construction of a new four-story laboratory building intended to both escalate the production capacity for currently approved medicines and pave the way for future growth. This strategic move further cements BioMarin’s footprint in Ireland— a locale in which it already boasts the Shanbally manufacturing site as well as a commercial office in Dublin. Over the past 13 years, BioMarin’s unwavering commitment to growth in this region has been evident through the employment of over 500 people and consistent investment into expanding and upgrading its facilities.
Expansion and Strategic Importance
This latest investment emphasizes BioMarin’s dedication to amplifying its global manufacturing capabilities in response to the increasing demand for its innovative treatments designed for rare conditions. The Shanbally site has become pivotal in BioMarin’s international operations, featuring a comprehensive end-to-end manufacturing process that includes everything from bulk substance creation to final packaging. This new expansion project marks the second significant upgrade to the facility, following the completion of an aseptic production facility last year— a project that spanned four years to culminate and successfully enhanced both the commercial and clinical product output.
Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at BioMarin, Evelyn Marchany Garcia, has articulated the strategic importance of the Cork site, emphasizing Ireland’s robust and skilled workforce as a significant factor. Additionally, IDA Ireland’s CEO Michael Lohan praised BioMarin’s substantial investment as a testament to Ireland’s formidable standing in the global biopharmaceutical arena. Collectively, these perspectives reflect a sustained trend of strategic investment and growth within both BioMarin and Ireland’s broader biopharma landscape, promising a fortified collaborative relationship aimed at advancing medical innovations.
Enhancing Production and Beyond
The upcoming laboratories in Shanbally are expected to greatly enhance production efficiency and scalability, ensuring better delivery of vital medicines to those with genetic disorders. Conor Delaney, Site Lead and Vice President of Shanbally Manufacturing Operations, highlighted the key role these new labs will play in achieving these targets. This effort not only strengthens BioMarin’s operational capabilities but also makes a significant contribution to the local economy and job market.
This strategic investment is a major advancement for BioMarin, expanding its influence and impact in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. As the company prepares for this upcoming phase, the Shanbally expansion aims to be a symbol of innovation, efficiency, and progress—a potential game-changer for both BioMarin and the broader biopharma industry. This continuous improvement and collaboration with Ireland’s skilled workforce herald a promising future for revolutionary medical solutions and robust economic growth.
