GlaxoSmithKline to retain and upgrade Sligo manufacturing site

GlaxoSmithKline has announced that it will be investing 10 million euros (8.12 million pounds) in upgrading its Irish manufacturing site in Sligo.

The facility, which was previously earmarked for closure, will now be retained along with 120 members of its current workforce, with plans to hire and additional 50 workers in 2014 in order to bolster its capabilities.

According to site director Pat McLoughlin, the decision to maintain the plant was heavily influenced by the 40 percent increase in productivity achieved by its workers over the last three years.

The site is set to become a specialised consumer healthcare manufacturing location for the group's Stiefel brand under the new plans.

David Pulman, president of global manufacturing and supply at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "We need an agile and flexible supply network – both internally and externally – to support growth and the rapid development of new product innovation."

Last week, the company stated that it will be making efforts to advance its openness and collaboration efforts, including expanding its clinical trial data-sharing initiatives to foster scientific innovation.