Galway beats 250 locations to win major research base

Date Published: 15-Dec-2011

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

Medical devices giant Medtronic has signalled a major vote of confidence in the future of its Galway plant with plans for a new customer innovation centre – including an operating theatre simulation – and research facility.

Galway has been selected from 250 of the company’s locations around the world for the new centre, and is expected to provide a boost to the local workforce, where more than 2,000 are already employed.

The multi-million euro plan has already been hailed as “an exciting development” by the IDA. The company has sought permission to build a 2,500 square metre building beside their existing facility at the Parkmore Business Park.

The ‘Customer Innovation Centre’ will see customers and clinicians from around the world flown in to showcase Medtronic’s product range.

Jim Murren, Western Regional Manager with the IDA said: “It’s an exciting development. It further embeds Medtronic in the medical hub in Galway and will lead to the expansion and growth of the company here.”

According to Medtronic: “It will consolidate the presence of Medtronic in Galway, enhance the status of the local operation within the company’s global network and secure its long-term future.

“The decision by Medtronic Global to locate a Customer Innovation Centre in Galway endorses the attractiveness of the county as a place to work and visit.”

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.