MSD has announced a €11.5 million investment at its vaccines plant in Carlow.

It is the latest phase of a €312 million seven-year investment at the site, which is MSD’s first standalone human vaccines operation worldwide.

The pharma company, which employs more than 2,000 people across its sites in Dublin, Carlow, Cork, Tipperary and Wicklow, made the announcement during a visit by the U S ambassador to Ireland, Kevin O’Malley.

The state-of-the-art 200,000sq ft biologics operation produces vaccines for customers across the world. It is also responsible for leading the company’s efforts in developing a new cancer treatment.

Jean-Albert Pittaluga, who runs the Carlow plant, said the investment reflected MSD’s ongoing commitment, to the town and to supporting “the growth and expansion of innovative product lines led by a highly skilled Irish workforce”.

“The production facilities here in Carlow are best in class internationally,” he said. “Through our continued focus on innovation and new product development, we look forward to growing our manufacturing output in Ireland and offering new treatment options to patients.”

Mr O’Malley said he had become aware of the “hotbed of innovation and talent that exists here in Ireland” since taking up his post.

“To see such a substantial investment being made in growing and developing these innovations locally in Carlow, particularly in the area of human vaccination, is hugely encouraging,” he said.