Minister O’Keeffe opens European manufacturing HQ of top healthcare firm

‘Probiotec to employ 70 workers in Dundalk, Co Louth, within three years’ - Minister

13 July, 2010

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD, today [Tuesday] officially opened the European manufacturing headquarters of a top Australian healthcare firm.

Probiotec Limited employs 15 workers in the plant in Finnabair Industrial Park, Dundalk, Co Louth.

That figure will double over the next 12 months, rising to 70 within three years.

Probiotec established the plant in Dundalk in March with the support of Enterprise Ireland.

The firm manufactures a range of dietary replacement products, branded Celebrity Slim, for the European market.

The products were launched in the Irish and UK markets in 2007.

The dedicated new European production plant in Dundalk will exploit the continuing high demand for the products.

Minister O’Keeffe said Probiotec’s decision to locate its European manufacturing base in Dundalk was a significant endorsement of the north-eastern region.

‘Probiotec’s investment is expected to create 70 new jobs and generate sales of over €30 million over the next three years.

‘It reaffirms Ireland’s reputation for excellence in the food ingredient sector and as a leading location for strategic global investments.

‘Significantly, Probiotec chose Ireland for its European manufacturing headquarters which shows that we are considered an important export gateway by major players in the life science sector,’ said Minister O’Keeffe in Dundalk today.

Probiotec’s group operations manager, Craig Lymn, said: ‘This is a highly strategic investment for Probiotec.

‘We have major growth ambitions to be a leading international provider of branded weight management and other speciality food products in the European market.

‘On all fronts, Ireland and Dundalk are the ideal location for us to achieve these goals.

‘Ireland’s unrivalled reputation as a world-leading centre for food ingredients excellence, the availability of excellent raw materials and top-class infrastructure all combine to make this the optimum operating base.

‘We are delighted to have the support of the Government and Enterprise Ireland at this exciting time for Probiotec and we continue to grow the business.’

Welcoming the announcement, Enterprise Ireland’s executive director, Julie Sinnamon, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Probiotec to Ireland and to Dundalk and to acknowledge their decision to choose Ireland as their base for spearheading their strategic drive into new European markets.

‘As a leader in their field, Probiotec’s decision to locate in Ireland is hugely welcome.

‘Enterprise Ireland’s strategy for the food sector is focussed on building export-focussed innovative companies capable of achieving significant global reach.

‘Probiotec’s presence here will enhance our international reputation as a centre of excellence in food and food ingredients.

‘This is a really significant investment for the food sector in Ireland and we look forward to working with Probiotec and supporting their new venture in Europe.’

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About Probiotec: Established in Australia in 1997, Probiotec Limited is a leading Australian manufacturer, marketer and distributor of a high-quality range of prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, complementary medicines weight management products and speciality ingredients. The group has five main manufacturing locations in Australia and employs about 350 workers. It is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. In recent years, the company has placed particular focus on growing its own-developed range of slimming aid/meal replacement products. Further information is available on http://www.probiotec.com.au.

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