Companies

‘Merck is in Ireland for the long run . . . Access to talent was a key part of our decision’

The chief executive of Merck’s life science division says the company is investing €440 million in its Cork operation because it can access high-skilled workers here

Matthias Heinzel, chief executive of Merck’s life science division, at the company’s Cork manufacturing plant: ‘We have a long view where we believe in the long-term growth of the market, and also in the long term capabilities of serving from a site like Cork.’ Picture: Michael O'Sullivan

Merck, the global science and technology giant, is in Ireland for the “long-run”, according to the chief executive of the company’s life sciences division.

In an exclusive interview with the Business Post, Matthias Heinzel, chief executive of Merck’s life science division, said the company had chosen Cork for this investment because it needed access to high quality talent.

The German-headquartered company announced on Monday it will invest more than €440 million to significantly expand its operations in Cork. Merck plans to invest €290 million in its existing manufacturing facility in Carrigtwohill, while it also plans to build a €150 million new manufacturing facility at Blarney Business Park on the outskirts of Cork city.