What You Should Know:
– Abbott, a global healthcare leader, has officially opened its new global manufacturing center of excellence for Abbott’s diabetes care business in Kilkenny, Ireland.
– Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre portfolio is the world’s leading continuous glucose monitoring system, helping more than 6 million people with diabetes across over 60 countries.
Boosting Irish Economy and Manufacturing Capabilities
The Kilkenny facility is part of a €440 million investment by Abbott in Ireland, which also includes an expansion of its Donegal site. This investment will create over 1,000 jobs across both locations, boosting the Irish economy and strengthening the country’s manufacturing capabilities.
The new 30,000-square-meter facility in Kilkenny will produce FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors, the world’s smallest and most advanced continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. This technology helps people with diabetes manage their condition more effectively, improving their quality of life.
Commitment to Sustainability
Abbott’s Kilkenny facility was designed with sustainability in mind. It is fully electric, powered by renewable energy sources, and features rainwater harvesting systems. This commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with Abbott’s global sustainability goals.
Supporting STEM Education
In addition to its investment in manufacturing, Abbott is also supporting STEM education in Ireland through a new $100k grant to The Ireland Funds. This grant will fund scholarships for three 2024 Leaving Certificate graduates from local DEIS schools, enabling them to pursue third-level education in STEM subjects.
Expanding Manufacturing Footprint in Europe
Beyond Ireland, Abbott is further expanding its manufacturing capacity in Europe with an £85 million investment in its Witney facility in Oxfordshire, UK. This investment demonstrates Abbott’s commitment to meeting the growing global demand for its healthcare products.
“This is our latest commitment to providing innovative care and supporting people with diabetes to live healthier lives,” said Robert Ford, Chairman and CEO, Abbott. “The state-of-the-art Kilkenny facility will have the highest production of Libre sensors in the world to help meet the growing global demand for our world-leading2 FreeStyle Libre portfolio.”