Freudenberg Medical announces 250 new jobs in Leitrim

A multi-national company that designs, develops and manufactures medical devices has announced the creation of 250 new jobs in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Freudenberg Medical, the largest employer in Co Leitrim, expects the recruitment drive for 250 staff to increase existing staffing levels in Carrick-on-Shannon by over a third to 950 people by 2026.

Recruitment for the newly announced positions is now under way, with a focus on positions in engineering, research and development, manufacturing operations and support services.

CEO of Freudenberg Medical, Dr Mark Ostwald said the strength of the local workforce influenced their expansion decision.

"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," Dr Ostwald added.

Freudenberg Medical's jobs announcement coincides with the officially opening of its expanded facility bringing the company’s site footprint to 14,585 square metres in Leitrim.

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

Freudenberg Medical has 11 manufacturing operations and more than 2,800 associates worldwide.

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.

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

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

The company currently employs over 1,000 people in Ireland. It works in partnership with global medical device companies for electrophysiology, structural heart, and peripheral vascular therapies.

Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Peter Burke TD said Freudenberg Medical’s expansion in next generation medical device solutions is "reinforcing Ireland’s position as a global leader in the life sciences sector".

Vice President and General Manager of Freudenberg Medical’s Co Leitrim facility, Barry Regan said today marks a proud achievement for their Carrick-on-Shannon team.

Chief Executive of the IDA, 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," he concluded.