Merck opens new Cork facility which will support 200 new jobs

Science and technology company Merck has officially opened its new €150 million filtration manufacturing facility at Blarney Business Park in Cork.

The state-of-the-art site is Merck’s first manufacturing facility designed for full climate-neutral operations, powered entirely by renewable electricity.

It is expected to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will manufacture filtration devices used in aseptic processing, tangential-flow filtration, and virus filtration, technologies essential for ensuring that medicines are safe, sterile, and effective for patients.

The 3,000-square-meter cleanroom facility will produce advanced filtration products used in the manufacturing of life-saving therapies, including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and new modalities such as cell and gene therapies.

The Blarney facility is part of Merck’s largest Life Science investment to date in Ireland, with €440 million committed across its Cork operations in Blarney and Carrigtwohill.

The expansion will support more than 200 new jobs in Cork by 2028 and further strengthen Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.

Minister of State and Cork TD Jerry Buttimer welcomed the development, saying: "Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation is further strengthened by Merck’s significant investment in Cork.

“This commitment highlights the attractiveness of our region for leading life sciences companies.” CEO of Merck Life Science Jean-Charles Wirth, agreed, saying: “Ireland is a leading hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation for Europe and globally.

“By expanding manufacturing in Cork, we reinforce our in-region-for-region manufacturing and supply model, shortening lead times, reducing cross-border risks and giving customers reliable access to critical filtration technologies they need to deliver life-changing therapies.” This new Cork facility emphasises Merck’s commitment to its in-region-for-region strategy, ensuring that manufacturing and supply are as close as possible to customers and patients.

The Cork site will play a central role in supporting Europe’s growing demand for life-saving therapies.

Mark Dunphy, Merck’s head of Cork operations, added: “Today’s opening is a proud moment for our Cork team. The new Blarney facility not only underscores Merck’s long-term commitment to Ireland but also highlights the incredible talent and expertise we have here in Cork.

“This investment strengthens our ability to deliver cutting-edge technologies that support the manufacture of breakthrough therapies for patients around the world.” 

IDA Ireland also welcomed the opening, with executive director Mary Buckley saying: “Merck’s decision to expand in Cork is a further endorsement of Ireland’s position as a global leader in life sciences and biopharmaceutical innovation.

“The scale of this investment, and the focus on sustainability, reflects the strength of our workforce, the attractiveness of Ireland as a location for advanced manufacturing, and the important role we play in supporting global healthcare supply chains.” 

Sustainability is at the core of the new facility, which will operate on 100% renewable electricity and utilise an innovative heat recovery system to avoid up to 61 metric tons of CO2 equivalents annually. It will also reuse up to 95% of high-purity water generated during its manufacturing processes.