The fast-growing Almac Group has mapped out a big expansion of its R&D and biopharma manufacturing operations in Northern Ireland which is expected to create up to 500 new jobs over the next five years. And many of those jobs are slated for new college graduates from around the world.
"Since our foundation in 2001 we have grown at record levels, and we expect this trend to continue over the coming years," said Almac Group Chairman Sir Allen McClay. "With our rapid rate of growth it was important to put proper plans in place and provide the necessary room for Almac to expand."
"The first phase in this project, which is part of our five-year plan, is the three-story office block followed by the new laboratory suite," says John Irvine, the company's director of commercial development. "It received planning permission this week and we are keen to press ahead."
Almac has several research centers in North America. The company currently employs about 2,400 people--900 in the U.S. The company is currently building a $112 million facility in Pennsylvania that is scheduled to open next year. Almac recently touted hiring 150 professionals in Pennsylvania.
- read the story from the BBC
- here's the report from the Belfast Telegraph