Galway firm talks of doubling workforce

THE US-owned C.R. Bard plant in Galway, which makes advanced healthcare equipment, is set to double its workforce of 650 people within five years according to the chairman and chief executive of the multinational, Mr William H. Longfield.

Speaking during a visit to Galway, after he opened a £3.5 million research and development centre at Parkmore Industrial Estate, Mr Longfield said the Galway facility "is one of the fastest, if not the fastest growing" of its world-wide operations. He added that he would be "surprised and disappointed if it does not double its workforce within five years".

The corporation, which has its headquarters in New Jersey has been based in Galway since 1981. The latest proposed expansion is, he said, due to a committed workforce willingness to adapt to making new products, excellent industrial relations - "one of the reasons why we feel so good about working here" - and the availability of high-quality graduates.

C.R. Bard is one of the world leaders in the development of equipment for non-invasive surgery and medical treatment, particularly in cardiology and urology. With 45 per cent of Irish deaths heart related and similarly high levels in many other countries, demand has soared for what is known as "noninvasive coronary angioplasty procedures" to relieve blocked arteries. In many instances, this obviates the need for invasive and costly open- heart surgery.

Bard products are used to open clogged arteries in the heart, kidney or leg with the use of small tubes known as catheters and ancillary equipment. The Galway plant is geared for export markets, currently exporting to 57 countries, but mainly to the US, Japan, and mainland Europe.

The opening of the new R&D unit is "a strong vote of confidence" from company headquarters in the performance of C.R. Bard Ireland, said Mr Peter Walsh, C.R. Bard Galway's vice-president and general manager.

The unit employs 70 people, while the overall Galway plant has been made the headquarters for the company's global therapeutic cardiology business.

C.R. Bard had worldwide sales during 1995 of $1.14 billion, 40 per cent of which were in the cardiovascular area. It currently employs 9,400 people and over the past two -years has invested $ 147 million in research and development. It plans to introduce 80 new products and line extensions during 1996, many of which will come from the Galway facility.