UK firm to create 35 jobs in 7,000 sq ft pharma hub in Kilbeggan

In a major boost for the area, a British firm is this morning to announce that it is to open a storage and distribution hub in Kilbeggan, which will create “initially” 35 jobs.

Bionical Emas has selected a 7,000 sq ft state-of-the-art building with room for further expansion at the Midland Business Park.

There, in a temperature-controlled (ambient and cold chain) facility, it will store, distribute, and label medicinal products for use around the world.

Already, the understanding is that following the completion of the refurbishment and fit-out of the facility, Bionical Emas will continue to expand its operations and Ireland based headcount across its three services areas: Clinical Development, Early Access Programs and Clinical Trial Supply.

The refurbishment and fit of the building are expected to be completed in Q1 2022.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Derbyshire, England, Bionical Emas have offices in the UK, US, and Australia.

Described as a global Contract Research Organisation (CRO), Bionical Emas said this week its unique suite of services partnered with the global storage, distribution and labelling facilities has resulted in the Group seeing an increased demand for its services from customers in the EU, US and Asia-Pacific.

It is due to this increased demand that the expansion to Kilbeggan is happening, and factors that influenced the selection of Kilbeggan include its “access to the talented local workforce in the Midlands region and strong transport connections to Dublin Airport”.

The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Philip Dunne, a native of the Midlands Region and an experienced biopharmaceutical executive, will head up the Irish operation.

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Robert Troy TD welcomed the announcement, saying: “I am delighted that Bionical Emas has announced plans to establish a European Storage, Distribution and Labelling facility in Kilbeggan. This new state-of-the-art facility will create 35 new jobs in Westmeath, with the potential for further expansion in the years to come.

“This is a very welcome announcement for Kilbeggan and the wider Midlands region and demonstrates the Midlands has the skills, talent, people and connectivity that will enable companies like Bionical Emas to embed and grow their operations here.

“egional job creation is a key priority of this Government, and we will be working to secure further investment for all regions in the months and years ahead.”

CEO of Bionical Emas, Jonathan Waring-Hughes said: “We are extremely pleased to have chosen Kilbeggan as our new European hub - Ireland provides a great location for further expansion. Our selection of the Midlands region creates a unique opportunity to tap into the local life science talent and infrastructure.

“The addition of this state-of-the-art facility will further enhance our global service offerings and enable us to deliver a unique, seamless approach to bring life-changing medicines to patients around the world.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the IDA for the support on this extremely important project”.

The company’s Director of Operations, Philip Dunne said: “As a native of the Midlands area, I am proud to be leading this exciting project for Bionical Emas. Accessing the amazing talent in the region, in addition to the great transport links, will ensure we can continue to build on the market-leading services that Bionical Emas are well known for around the world.”

IDA Ireland’s Executive Director Mary Buckley said Bionical Emas will be joining the strong cluster of life sciences companies in Ireland: “It’s a great win for the Midlands Region and specifically for Kilbeggan and the company will be a significant contributor to the local economy. This new investment demonstrates IDA Ireland’s ongoing commitment to the Midlands Region. IDA will continue to work with Bionical Emas to embed and grow their operations in the Midlands Region. I wish Philip and his team every success.”