PPD to create 250 jobs in Ireland

CRO PPD has opened its new, 18,000-square-foot contract research facility in Athlone, Ireland, where it hopes to eventually hire 250 employees. Twenty-one of those positions have already been filled. The new facility will offer testing for clinical development programs of all phases and will be used to meet growing demand in Europe, Middle East and Africa for these services.

"Expanding our laboratory operations into Europe enables us to continue to deliver on our strong history of providing quality work and customer service to our growing client base in this region," says Magdalena Mejillano, vice president of laboratory services. "The Irish government, through IDA Ireland, has provided us strong support, and we continue to benefit from Ireland's highly skilled work force and business-friendly climate. We are pleased to join Athlone's strong, growing pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors."

PPD's investment--expected to total $19 million over five years--is a big win for Ireland. The CRO previously expanded its medical communications safety call center operations into the country.

- here's PPD's release