Chanelle Pharma is to expand its distribution and manufacturing operations in Ireland.

The company also announced it is to create 60 jobs in Ballinasloe over the next five years. Chanelle Pharma employs 570 people at its corporate HQ in Loughrea and also has offices and warehouses in Oranmore, Galway.

Initially, the company will relocate its Chanelle Pet distribution business from Loughrea to IDA Ireland’s Business and Technology Park in Ballinasloe. Chanelle Pet is Ireland’s leading pet food and pet accessories distributor, servicing pet, retail, veterinary and co-op markets in Ireland and the UK. It was recently named Pet Supplier of the Year by Tesco Ireland.

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The €5 million investment by Chanelle Pharma in Ballinasloe will also see the company invest in warehousing and new manufacturing operations at the 65,000 sq ft facility. Chanelle Pharma will also convert the existing Chanelle Pet premises in Loughrea to a new 35,000 sq ft manufacturing facility.

Chanelle Pharma, which is privately owned by its founder Michael Burke, is Ireland’s largest manufacturer of generic medicines for human and animal health, achieving sales of over €149 million to 30th April 2021, an 11% increase year-on-year. All growth is organic and the company has continually grown its business each year since 1985.

Michael Burke, founder, Chanelle Pharma said: "Chanelle Pharma continues to grow and our Loughrea HQ is now at capacity. Despite the global pandemic we continue to see strong market demand for both our animal and human health products. Our future delivery pipeline is extensive and we are continuing to invest in and improve our manufacturing operations to further increase our delivery performance to our customers.

"We are delighted to make this investment in Ballinasloe and we look forward to making a positive contribution to the local economy and community."