- Medical
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Ongoing investment by some of the world's biggest names has made Ireland a significant force in the European healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Medical products now account for about one third of Ireland’s total manufacturing exports, producing some $34 billion in exported products annually.
The Irish presence of medical firms isn’t limited to manufacturing and distribution/service operations. Ireland is home to 15 of the World's top 25 Medical Technologies companies. The Irish based Medical Technologies sector employs over 22,000 people in 110 companies with sales in excess of €4 billion annually and annual growth approaching 10%.
The medical technology manufacturing sector is also rapidly increasing its R&D activities. 50% of the companies operating in Ireland carry out research and development activities. The government-funded Science Foundation of Ireland has focused about €646 million on supporting basic research. A biomedical research center focused on biomaterials and bone research is in place at the University of Limerick.
Ireland offers pools of talent in areas of high relevance to the medical technology industry, including biomedical and mechanical engineering, electronics and the life sciences. The Irish government has invested heavily in education, with some 13% of all public spending going to education. About 57% of Ireland’s college graduates emerge from engineering, science, business and computing programmes ready to work.
Medical companies at Shannon Free Zone include:
Schwarz Pharma www.schwarzpharma.com; Lawrence Laboratories www.bms.ie; Phardiag www.menarini.it; Reagecon Group www.reagecon.com; KareMor Manufacturing International www.karemor.com; Heraeus Metal Processing www.heraeus.com