Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Freudenberg Medical, a leading global design, development and manufacturing partner for minimally invasive medical devices, has announced the creation of 250 new jobs, at the official opening of its newly expanded facility in Carrick-on-Shannon, County 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 in key MedTech hubs across the US, Europe, Asia and Costa Rica.

The expansion adds 16,500 sq ft to the Carrick-on-Shannon facility, bringing the total site footprint in County Leitrim to 157,000 sq ft. Recruitment for the newly announced positions is now underway, with a focus on positions in engineering, research & development, manufacturing operations and support services.

Freudenberg Medical, which is the largest employer in County 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. The company’s Irish operations were originally established as joint venture partnerships with the former VistaMed operations in County Leitrim and Cambus Medical in County 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. In 2023, 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, and is a trusted partner to global medical device companies for electrophysiology, structural heart, and peripheral vascular therapies. Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of the Freudenberg Group, officially opened the newly expanded facility.

CEO of Freudenberg Medical, Dr. Mark Ostwald, said: “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.”

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.”