Johnson & Johnson has made plans to add 100 production jobs through a €100m investment in its Vistakon Ireland operation.
The expansion of its contact lens manufacturing plant in Limerick will also require the creation of 200 temporary construction jobs, a statement by investment promotion agency IDA Ireland confirmed this week.
Ireland minister for jobs, enterprise and innovation, Richard Bruton TD, said: 'Today's announcement that this world-leading company is expanding its operations in Limerick with the creation of 100 new jobs, as well as 200 temporary construction jobs, is great news for the Mid West and a major vote of confidence in manufacturing in Ireland.'
Vistakon Ireland currently employs 1,900 people and manufactures the Acuvue brand of contact lenses.
Ireland minister for finance, Michael Noonan TD, said: 'Vistakon Ireland has been a highly respected employer in the Mid West region for over 15 years. It has an extensive network of local and national suppliers for goods and services, all of which contribute significantly to the Irish economy.'
Spokespeople for J&J were unable to comment any further on the expansion plans at the plant, in the National Technology Park, Plassey, and it was unclear whether the expansion would result in new products or greater capacity.