A US healthcare company is to expand its operation in Wicklow with the creation of 200 new jobs.
Inamed Corporation, which manufactures silicone breast implants, is to invest &8364;7.4 million in its existing plant in Arklow over the next five years.
In a statement today, the company says it intends to make the Wicklow plant its global manufacturing centre.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Mary Harney welcoming the announcement said the investment will support the anticipated creation of over 200 new jobs, with more than half of the jobs being recruited by the end of 2004.
The new positions will be at both operative and graduate level, for which specific in-house training will be provided.
"This investment further consolidates Inamed's Irish operations, based in Arklow, increases Ireland's role in the company's global R&D strategy and raises the stature of the operation within Inamed," Ms Harney said.
The Arklow plant manufactures silicone breast implants and tissue expanders for plastic and re-constructive surgery for international markets. It was set up in 1989 and currently employs 190 people.