Astellas Pharma has revealed plans to submit an application to build a new state-of-the-art facility, at an approximate cost of €330 million, in Tralee, Co. Kerry.
This investment by Astellas in Ireland will expand its capacity and capabilities for aseptic drug products, reinforce stable production for global supply and accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative antibody drugs and other new products.
The facility will be based on the Industrial Development Authority’s (IDA) greenfield site in Kerry Technology Park, Tralee, bringing highly specialized engineering, science and technology roles to the region and helping to further the Astellas VISION to “be on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients.”
Hideki Shima, Chief Manufacturing Officer at Astellas, said: “Astellas is developing innovative drugs and technologies based on our Focus Area research and development approach, placing patients at the forefront of everything we do. With the new facility, Astellas will aim to strengthen our in-house production capacity and capabilities and ensure a stable supply of high-quality Astellas medicines to patients around the world.”
Michael Lohan, CEO at IDA, said: “This announcement from Astellas is excellent news for the South West region and indeed Ireland. Astellas already has a presence in both Kerry and Dublin and this significant investment of approximately €330 million, adding a new state-of-the-art aseptic drug product facility, underscores the strategic importance Ireland plays in Astellas’ global operations. The new facility in Tralee will be built with sustainability at its core and will showcase Ireland and our regional attractiveness as a location for investment.”
The new facility in Tralee will be built in line with Astellas’ sustainability targets and values. The project aims to cut water use by about half, reduce operational energy intensity by more than one-third and produce zero waste to landfill (compared with LEED® baseline). These measures are along with onsite renewable technology including solar PV panels and biomass boiler.
Subject to planning permission, construction will commence in 2024, with the site expected to be operational by 2028.
