Zimmer Expanding its Presence in Ireland

Zimmer Holdings Inc. is expandings its footprint in Ireland by creating 250 new jobs over the next five years.

The orthopedic implant manufacturer is investing 51 million euros ($59.7 million) in a new hub in Oranmore, Galway, according to The Irish Times.

The new facility will be home to sales and marketing for a direct sales force in Ireland, supplying hospitals and orthopedic surgeons with implants for hips, knees, extremities, spine and trauma.

“We are constantly assessing our worldwide operations and logistics network and this project is a direct result of that process.” Adrian Furey, general manager for Zimmer Ireland, said. “Zimmer has had a very positive experience of doing business in Ireland. We are looking forward to building on the success of our Shannon operation by expanding in Galway.”

It also will house an education facility for medics from around the world. Recruitment will begin in the coming months.

Zimmer already has a sizeable manufacturing facility in Shannon and currently employs 330 people in Ireland.

“Manufacturing is a sector which we have specifically targeted as part of our jobs plan, and in recent years we have seen an impressive jobs performance in this area, after years of decline during the 2000s,” Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton said. “Companies in this area offer great potential in particular to deliver job-creation to regional locations.”