Dillon calls on IDA to invest in Mayo following Meissner success

The success of a global organisation who expanded into Castlebar two years ago was heralded by a Mayo based TD.

Deputy Alan Dillon TD congratulated Meissner Corporation who officially opened their new manufacturing facility in Castlebar today (Wednesday).

Deputy Dillon said he was delighted to meet with management and staff of the company who currently employ over 90 people at their facility on the Breaffy Road.

“The company manufactures advanced microfiltration products and therapeutic manufacturing systems for critical pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical applications, such as sterilisation of injectable drugs, and the development and manufacture of life-enhancing/life-saving drugs, therapeutics, biologics and cell and gene therapies.

"Its staff is set to increase as the company continues to develop and grow at their Castlebar base,” said Deputy Dillon.

He added: “The company is a critical supplier to manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines, therapies, treatments and associated test kits. Meissner’s manufacturing campuses include a headquarters in Camarillo, California, USA, their European manufacturing location in Castlebar and a recently announced plan to build a $250 million manufacturing facility in Athens, Georgia, USA.”

Deputy Dillon said Meissner first opened in March 2020 but their official opening was delayed due to COVID-19.

“This is a special day for the company which is finally able to celebrate their grand opening with management and staff.

“Meissner was able to bring the Castlebar site online with manufacturing capabilities in just over one year as the IDA’s new Advanced Technology building was already constructed. This allowed the company to realise their manufacturing capabilities quickly.

‘I am now calling on the IDA to continue to advance their site selection for a new IDA advance building solution. The success of Meissner demonstrates the value of having such buildings in place which attracts investment and jobs to Castlebar and Mayo.

‘This is a key priority of mine that I will continue to raise with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and IDA to ensure it is delivered in line with commitments already in place.”

The TD has previously called on his own government to help accelerate plans for a new facility in Castlebar through the IDA in January and May of this year.