NI pharmaceutical firm to create 60 jobs

A pharmaceutical company is plans to create 60 new research jobs at its Co Armagh plant.

A pharmaceutical company is plans to create 60 new research jobs at its Co Armagh plant.

Almac Pharma Services is investing £5.4 million into its Craigavon headquarters to strengthen its development of pharmaceutical products.

With more than half of its 2,000 worldwide staff based in Northern Ireland, the company said its plans were part of a long-term strategy to develop drug services from discovery through to commercialisation.

The commitment by the company headed up by group chairman Sir Allen McClay was backed by the Democratic Unionist MP for the area, David Simpson.

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He said: "All jobs are important to Craigavon, but on this particular occasion, because of the nature of the business, its research and development into health issues, whether it be treatment for cancer or other aspects, Almac is in the lead in that and I think it's vital that it's based there.

"Allen McClay, you wouldn't be long in his company that you would know that he has a great love for the province and for the young entrepreneurs of industry within the province."

The DUP man also revealed he is to hold talks with Invest Northern Ireland bosses on Friday during a visit to another enterprise area where sites are being cleared for seven new companies. And he told BBC Radio Ulster: "There is more government can do in relation to helping companies to develop, whether it be planning, whether it be the old cliches of corporation tax."