Following an in-depth strategic review, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) today announced that the Stiefel plant in Sligo will remain open and will receive an investment of €10 million. The project is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland and will enhance the plant’s technical expertise and capacity.

The plant, which had been scheduled to close next year, will become a dedicated Stiefel consumer products supply site. The flexibility, productivity and commitment of GSK staff in Sligo have been important factors in this decision. Staff were informed of the development at a meeting on site early this morning. Today’s announcement was attended by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD.

Sligo joined the GSK network as part of the global Stiefel acquisition in 2009. It is a well-established employer, located at its current premises since 1975, and currently employs 180 people. GSK employs 1,600 staff across five locations in Ireland. While the Sligo site currently employs 180 people, this number will reduce to 120 over the next two years as the plant transitions from the production of pharmaceutical to skin healthcare products. During this phase, the company will develop new skills and improve capacity enabling it to move to a position of employment growth in 2014, bringing an estimated additional 50 jobs at this point.

-- Advertisement --

GSK has selected the Sligo plant as a dedicated supply site for its Stiefel consumer products and the home of its liquid bottling operation. In time, the site will also have a role as a development centre for Stiefel consumer products including Physiogel, Oilatum, Stieprox and Driclor.

Originally a pharmaceutical plant, Sligo will be developed to respond to the needs of a fast-paced, quality-driven consumer business. That will mean building the capability to support the launch of multiple new products each year, delivery of a range of different packaging concepts, as well as the ability to flex production swiftly to respond to changing market demand.

GSK plans to significantly develop its technical and innovation capabilities at Sligo over the next five years and will be investing €10 million to upgrade the site's technical competences and develop its potential. The investment is supported by IDA Ireland.

(CD/GK)