€10 million investment to generate 80 new jobs in mid-west Ireland

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, a leading global player in diagnostic technology and the largest employer in East Clare, has announced a major €10 million investment aimed at expanding its operations in Co. Clare. This significant investment will fund the installation of two new fully automated reagent filling lines and enhance the site's infrastructure, increasing both efficiency and production capacity.

The company is currently recruiting for 50 open positions and will create an additional 30 jobs by 2027, focusing on highly-skilled roles in Production Operations, Quality & Regulatory Affairs, and Research & Development.

The announcement was marked by an event at Beckman Coulter’s high-tech facility in O'Callaghan's Mills, Co. Clare. The gathering was attended by Beckman Coulter’s Ireland-born President, Kevin O’Reilly, who recently took on the role of leading the company’s global operations. Also present were European Commissioner-designate Michael McGrath, national and local public officials, and industry stakeholders.

Beckman Coulter’s contribution to the local and regional economy is substantial. The company currently employs over 550 people at its Co. Clare site, with this number expected to grow to 600. Since 2018, the workforce has nearly doubled. An economic impact assessment by Repucon highlighted that Beckman Coulter’s activities contributed €183 million to the regional economy in 2023, with an employment income impact of €55 million. The company's regional employment income impact is projected to reach €380 million over the next five years.

Beyond its economic impact, Beckman Coulter is committed to environmental sustainability. Located on a 15,900 m² site within 120 hectares of farmland, the company integrates renewable energy, operates a wormery waste treatment plant, and maintains a water treatment facility. Additionally, Beckman Coulter supports local biodiversity with over 240,000 bees on-site and has developed a 5 km nature trail.

Kevin O’Reilly, President of Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, expressed his pride in the company’s contributions: “I’m incredibly pleased with Beckman Coulter’s ongoing impact on my home country, Ireland. Our commitment extends beyond local economic benefits to enhancing global healthcare every day.”

EU Commissioner-designate Michael McGrath remarked: “Beckman Coulter is a prime example of the positive effects of foreign direct investment in Ireland, particularly in rural communities. Their high-tech diagnostic tools, critical for global healthcare, and their significant economic impact on East Clare demonstrate a successful blend of industry and environmental stewardship.”

Mary Buckley, Executive Director of IDA Ireland, added: “Beckman Coulter’s expansion is a testament to IDA Ireland’s dedication to securing jobs and investment for every region. We look forward to their continued success.”

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, one of the top three diagnostic companies worldwide, employs over 11,000 people globally and plays a crucial role in healthcare. Every hour, more than 1 million samples from hospitals around the world are analysed using Beckman Coulter’s instruments, including those in Cork, Kerry, and Mayo in Ireland.

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