Two Wind Turbines Go Live In Cork

Mr Seán Sherlock T.D., Minister for Research and Innovation, has officiated at an event to formally switch on Johnson & Johnson's two wind turbines in Cork's lower harbour, which will support the DePuy Synthes and Janssen Biologics manufacturing operations.

The wind turbines will reduce environmental impacts, boost competitiveness and lower energy costs by as much as 30 percent at both sites.

This follows a series of recent announcements by Johnson & Johnson in Ireland including the investment of €80 million and the creation of 270 jobs at the company's new Ethicon Biosurgery manufacturing facility in Limerick in April.

Welcoming the wind turbine initiative, Minister Sherlock said: "I congratulate Johnson & Johnson for its leadership in the sustainable energy sector. This investment sends a strong message to headquarters that the Cork plants are serious about reducing costs while maintaining competitiveness. Wind energy will safeguard jobs, provide security of energy supply, help Ireland meet its EU carbon reduction targets and reduce our dependence on expensive fossil fuels."


Speaking on behalf of Johnson & Johnson, Willem Appelo, VP, Supply Chain, Global Orthopaedics Group said: "We pay tribute to the great work of our employees in Ireland and are grateful for the support of IDA Ireland and the local communities in Cork. As the world's largest health care company, all of us at Johnson & Johnson recognise the critical interdependence between human health and the health of our planet. We are committed to minimising environmental impacts across our operations."

The wind turbine project is the outcome of an unique collaboration between Johnson & Johnson, GSK and Novartis – the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group. Collectively, the four companies are responsible for the employment of over 4,000 people in Ireland and have invested more than €2 billion in the Cork area over the last twenty years.

(CD)