Today, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys T.D., visited Pfizer Ringaskiddy almost 50 years to the day the company first came to Ireland. During her visit, the Minister recognised the significance of this anniversary and the substantial investment of Pfizer in Ireland over the last five decades. The Minister toured part of the large-scale manufacturing site, visiting the New Product Technology Lab, a state of the art $30 Million facility. The visit is part of a series of events to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary in Ireland.
Ringaskiddy was the first location of Pfizer in Ireland and has since expanded to six sites across the country including; Little Island, Newbridge, Grange Castle, Ringsend and City West. From an initial investment of €10 million in 1969, Pfizer's total investment in Ireland now stands at €8 billion.
Speaking at the Cork site, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, T.D. said; “Pfizer Ireland is a great success story. From relatively modest beginnings, Pfizer in Ireland has grown to be a key employer and investor in this country. The opening of this site in 1969, as one of the first pharmaceutical businesses in the State, precipitated the beginning of the success of the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland. Pfizer has contributed significantly to the Irish economy and I am delighted to be here to mark this special anniversary as a key milestone in the company’s ongoing journey of success in Ireland.”
Paul Reid, Country Manager, Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, thanked Minister Humphreys for taking the time to visit the site. “We are delighted to welcome Minister Humphreys, T.D. here today and her presence acknowledges the contribution that Pfizer has made here in Ireland. Irish operations contribute €2 billion annually to the Irish economy and our success is due to the ongoing support of the Irish Government, the IDA and our 3,700-strong colleagues from around the country. We are really proud of what we have achieved in the last 50 years in Ireland and look forward to celebrating future successes.”
Seamus Fives, Vice President Leadership, Pfizer Global Supply said, “The decision in 1969 to locate Pfizer’s first Irish site here in Cork was the foundation stone of the success of Pfizer in Ireland. When this site was officially opened in 1969 by Former Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, Pfizer Ireland employed 16 people. Pfizer now employs over 600 people on the Ringaskiddy site and 3,700 people in Ireland.”
Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland, commented: “Pfizer is one of Ireland’s leading employers and also one of our largest pharmaceutical investors. I would like to congratulate Pfizer on reaching a significant milestone and also their long-standing investment in Ireland. The company has a rich heritage of innovation over its 50 year period and we look forward to continuing to partner with them in the future.”
As part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, a team of Pfizer colleagues have curated an exhibition detailing the history of Pfizer in Ireland, the significant milestones during this time and the people behind the company. The Exhibition will be open to the public at Cork City Library from 27 May - 14 June.