Abbott to create 1,000 new jobs in Kilkenny

US healthcare technology company Abbott Laboratories has announced plans to create 1,000 jobs as part of of a €440m investment.

The company intends to build a new greenfield manufacturing plant in Kilkenny and expand its Donegal premises .

The new 250,000 square foot manufacturing facility, which will be located on the IDA Business and Technology Park in Loughboy, Kilkenny is subject to planning permission.

The company said it will give it the capacity to substantially increase production of its FreeStyle Libre technology for people with diabetes.

Abbott Laboratories currently employs around 5,000 people across Ireland and has been in the country for more than 75 years.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, TD, said Abbott’s plans to bring in more jobs and expand its medtech manufacturing is “hugely welcome news”.

The investment by Abbott is supported by IDA Ireland.