Minister Martin announces new Process & Product Development Centre for DePuy Ireland Ltd

Company to develop next generation orthopaedic products and processes for the global market

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin TD today (Monday 10^th March 2008) announced that DePuy Ireland Ltd, part of one of the world’s leading orthopaedic products companies, is to carry out next generation product and process development at its Ringaskiddy, Co Cork facility, with the establishment of an Innovation Centre. The investment is supported by IDA Ireland.

The Centre is an important part of DePuy Ireland’s future global strategy and the work of the Cork Centre will support the development of next generation orthopaedic products and operations. 20 people, with PhD, MSc and Bachelor Degrees in Biomedical Engineering, materials and quality, will work in the new purpose-built Innovation Centre and labs.

Minister Martin said “The level of innovation involved in this project is very high given that the work will be at the cutting-edge of precision knee implant design and associated manufacturing processes. I am delighted to welcome this investment, as it is highly significant for DePuy Ireland. It positions Cork as a strategic centre-of-excellence in process and product development and ensures an integrated approach to product development from concept to full commercialisation. The success of the Cork facility and Ireland’s exemplary life sciences regulatory record were the principal reasons Cork was chosen for this investment and I congratulate the Cork management and workforce for this outcome”.

Minister Martin added “DePuy Ireland has operated as a highly successful operation and this investment is a clear endorsement by its Corporate HQ of its role in the total global operations. It also provides a clear example of how Irish companies can build on success and move into additional knowledge-based activities which will give them a crucial advantage over international competitors into the future”.

Mr. Ed Mackey, Vice President of Worldwide Operations, DePuy, Inc. said that the company’s decision to locate this Innovation Centre in Cork was due to the positive business experience DePuy has had in Ireland since the establishment of its manufacturing facility in 1997 and its Global Supply Chain operations in 2002. Currently the Cork facility employs over 600 people. “This is a significant development for DePuy and the quality and commitment of our workforce were key factors behind this investment in Cork”, said Mr Mackey. “We look forward to building on the success of our current operations.”