Global medtech company announces 250 new jobs in Carrick-on-Shannon

A multinational company that designs, develops and manufactures medical devices has today announced the creation of 250 new jobs at its newly expanded facility in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Freudenberg Medical, the biggest employer in Leitrim, officially opened the newly expanded facility today, Thursday. The expansion adds 16,500 square feet to the Carrick-on-Shannon facility, bringing the total site footprint in Co. Leitrim to 157,000 square feet. 

The newly announced jobs will increase existing staffing levels in Carrick-on-Shannon by over a third to 950 people by 2026.

Commenting on today’s announcement, CEO of Freudenberg Medical, Dr. Mark Ostwald, said the expansion was a significant milestone for the company.

"Ireland has established a world-renowned reputation in the life sciences sector and holds strategic importance within Freudenberg Medical's global network. With a 25-year history in the country, this latest investment further enhances our world-class operations here. 

"The proven excellence of our local teams has earned the confidence of our customers, which has in turn driven strong global demand. This success shaped our decision to invest in expanding our operations, allowing us to continue delivering innovative solutions to the medical device industry," he said.

Part of the Freudenberg Group, Freudenberg Medical is a global contract design and manufacturing partner to the medical device and biopharma industry with operations in key MedTech hubs across the US, Europe, Asia and Costa Rica.

It currently employs over 1,000 people in Ireland, shipping over 16 million complex catheters each year from a combined 200,000 square foot manufacturing footprint at its facilities in Co Leitrim and Co Galway. 

In 2023, the company also expanded its facility in Galway, increasing manufacturing area by 50% and announcing the addition of 100 new jobs.

The Leitrim expansion will help Freudenberg Medical to meet accelerating global demand for its products and solutions. As part of the expansion, the company is enhancing technologies to deliver next generation catheter solutions for its global customer base.

Producing some of the most advanced and intricate catheters in modern healthcare, the site has built a global reputation as a trusted partner for medical device companies specializing in electrophysiology, structural heart, and peripheral vascular therapies.

The company’s Irish operations were originally established as joint venture partnerships with the former VistaMed operations in Co Leitrim and Cambus Medical in Co Galway which are now part of Freudenberg Medical’s global operations.

Vice President and General Manager of Freudenberg Medical’s Co. Leitrim facility, Barry Regan, said: “Today marks a proud achievement for our Carrick-on-Shannon team as we expand capacity and capability to meet accelerating demand for our products and solutions. 

"We plan to enhance technologies at our site to reinforce and sustain the reputation we have built as a global leader in our field. The official opening and announcement of 250 new jobs is a testament to the dedication of our talented teams.”

Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Peter Burke TD said: “Congratulations to Freudenberg Medical on this significant expansion in Carrick-on-Shannon. This is in line with the Government’s prioritisation of balanced regional development and I have no doubt there will be a wealth of skilled professionals available from nearby Atlantic Technological University to fill these new roles. 

"With the support of IDA Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta, Freudenberg Medical’s expansion in next generation medical device solutions is reinforcing Ireland’s position as a global leader in the life sciences sector.”

Commenting, IDA CEO Michael Lohan said: “Freudenberg Medical is a member of the North West region’s established cluster of MedTech companies benefiting from the availability of a highly skilled and talented workforce. 

"I wish the team every success with this expansion and assure them of IDA Ireland’s continued support.”

Freudenberg Medical in Ireland is supported by the Government through IDA Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta.