Limerick City and County Council welcomes today's announcement that Nestlé has reached an agreement to sell the former Wyeth Nutritionals manufacturing facility in Askeaton to Pfanstiehl, Inc., a leading US-based life sciences company.
The closure of the Wyeth plant earlier this year and the loss of 540 jobs was a blow to the employees, their families, and the wider West Limerick community.
The announcement that the site is to return to industrial use under the ownership of an established global life sciences manufacturer brings renewed hope that this strategically important facility can once again become a location of high-quality employment.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented:
"Today's announcement is a significant and very welcome development for Askeaton and for County Limerick. While we recognise there is still work to be done before new jobs are created, the acquisition of this facility by a respected global life sciences company is an important vote of confidence in Limerick and in how we are transforming our region to become one of Europe’s premier manufacturing locations with enormous industrial potential. It offers renewed optimism for all affected by the closure earlier this year."
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Tom Ruddle said:
"The former Wyeth facility was at the heart of Askeaton's economy for more than half a century. Generations of local families worked at the plant and its contribution to the social and economic life of West Limerick cannot be overstated. The prospect of the site remaining in advanced manufacturing is a hugely positive outcome and helps secure its long-term future."
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly added:
“Pfanstiehl is investing in a region with a proven track record in life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Limerick has become one of Ireland's leading locations for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and MedTech investment with a strong cluster of global industry leaders. We believe Askeaton has an important role to play in that continued growth, and Limerick City and County Council will work with Pfanstiehl, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Government to help the company realise its ambitions here.”
Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, Pfanstiehl is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of high-purity injectable excipients and bioprocessing components for the biopharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.
As a trusted supplier to many of the world's leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, its investment in Askeaton represents a significant endorsement of the region's skilled workforce, industrial capability and strategic location.