A MAJOR project involving up to 1,000 new jobs will be announced in Galway on Monday. In the most significant industrial investment in the west of Ireland for many years, Boston Scientific Corporation is understood to be planning to spend up to £40 million on expanding its existing operation.
Boston scientific first established in Ballybrit, Galway, in 1994 in a $24 million (£15 million) investment, but has now agreed a major expansion plan. The company manufactures high technology medical devices for world markets.
Recruitment for the expansion is expected to take place over the next 12 months. It marks the third phase in the company's development in Ireland. The Galway plant is the company's core European operation, and the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Mr Bruton, is travelling to Galway on Monday to make the announcement.
Backed by IDA Ireland the project will entail adding a further 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space, making Boston one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the west of Ireland.
Boston Scientific is considered a blue-chin name in its industry. It has closed four plants in the past six months, two in Europe. The business is being transferred to Galway. It is understood that Ireland faced strong competition for the business from other countries, including Britain and Switzerland.
Boston Scientific's chief financial officer, Mr Larry Beth, said last night that the company chose Ireland for several reasons, including the excellent workforce, medical technical expertise and Government support.
The Galway plant started off in 1994 with plans to employ around 500 people over five years. It moved into a facility at Ballybrit industrial estate, beside the Digital plant, which later transferred its hardware division out of Galway.
Boston initially occupied a 20,000 sq ft facility, but it began expanding in phases and now has over 290,000 square feet of manufacturing space.a
The company is one of America's leading manufacturers of the sensitive electronic instruments used in "minimally invasive" surgical procedures.
It has grown rapidly in the past few years. At the end of 1994 it had revenues of $450 million. By 1996 this had reached $1.5 billion, and this year its revenues are expected to exceed $2 billion.