Astellas Ireland Co. Ltd has marked the start of construction on its new €330 million facility at Kerry Technology Park, Tralee, County Kerry through a 'groundbreaking' ceremony.

The ceremony, held at the site and Munster Technological University, was attended by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, IDA CEO Michael Lohan, representatives of Kerry County Council, project partners and senior Astellas executives.

The newly planned facility, built with sustainability as its central focus, will accelerate the growth of Astellas' in-house production capacities, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality medicines to patients globally. The project is set to create significant employment opportunities in the area, including 600 construction jobs and 100 highly specialised roles in engineering, science, and technology. The facility is planned to be operational by 2028.

Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment, Simon Coveney TD, said: "As our Enterprise Policy has a key regional dimension, once again, I wish to celebrate the company’s decision to build its new cutting-edge facility in Tralee which represents a major note of confidence in the southwest region. Astellas’ commitment to a facility that will incorporate the highest national and international best practice in energy and environmental design is also aligned with the quality of development that my Department and the IDA are looking to deliver for our citizens, fully in keeping with the Government’s commitment to a decarbonised economy and society."

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Minister for Education and Kerry TD, Norma Foley, said: "I am very pleased to see the further development of Astellas, which represents the single biggest investment in Tralee town and the county as a whole for many years. This is a phenomenal vote of confidence by Astellas in Kerry. It is, in many respects, a game changer for the entire southwest region. I am delighted that we are now marking the ‘groundbreaking’ stage of this exciting development. I wish to thank Astellas for its vision, ambition and confidence in Tralee and County Kerry and I look forward to the project developing at pace."

Hideki Shima, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Astellas Pharma, said the ceremony "marks a significant achievement for our company and reflects our continued commitment to expansion and innovation in the region". Hideki added: "Not only will it further the Astellas vision to be at the forefront of healthcare change by turning innovative science into value for patients, but it will also be a growth opportunity for the many people who will bring this facility to life. Together we hope to build something best in class, producing quality products that people need, and striving to continue putting patients first."

Louis Collins, Executive Director, Kerry Operations, Astellas Pharma Ireland Ltd, said: "We have been grateful for the time and professionalism of the local authorities and the engagement from the local community throughout this process. We also want to thank our project and design partners and the Astellas team across Ireland and globally. I have no doubt that it is this partnership and support that has been key getting us to where we are today, for which we are incredibly grateful."

CEO of the IDA, Michael Lohan, said: "Astellas’ decision last year to expand its operations in Ireland was warmly welcomed, especially here in Kerry where the company has had an operation since 1990". Michael added that the ceremony "is symbolic as it heralds a new chapter for this global pharmaceutical leader in Ireland and is testament to the company’s leadership and commitment to innovation, sustainability and to the Southwest Region. I wish to congratulate Astellas on today’s ground-breaking and assure the team of IDA Ireland’s continued partnership and support".

In terms of the environment, the construction of the building aligns closely with Astellas' strong commitment to sustainability, integrating the highest national and international standards in energy and environmental design. As a result, this project aims to cut water use by approximately half, reduce operational energy intensity by more than one-third, and produce zero waste to landfill (compared with LEED® baseline). These initiatives, along with the implementation of onsite renewable technologies such as solar PV panels and a biomass boiler, serve as cornerstones of Astellas' efforts to combat climate change.

Astellas recently announced further investment in Kerry, taking over the lease of the Advanced Technology Building, also at Kerry Technology Park.