Freudenberg Medical, a leading provider in the design and manufacture of minimally invasive medical devices, has announced the creation of 250 new jobs at the opening of its newly expanded facility in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. The expansion, celebrated today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Mohsen Sohi, CEO of the Freudenberg Group, highlights the company’s commitment to supporting the growing demand for advanced medical devices worldwide.
The Carrick-on-Shannon facility, which specialises in manufacturing catheters used in various medical therapies, now boasts an additional 16,500 square feet, bringing the site’s total footprint to 157,000 square feet. This investment increases Freudenberg Medical’s workforce in Co. Leitrim by over a third, with a goal of reaching 950 employees by 2026.
The expansion aligns with Freudenberg Medical’s broader growth strategy to serve its global clients in the MedTech and biopharma industries. Dr. Sohi emphasised that the project underlines the group’s commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of its customers, adding that the facility’s added capacity will support Freudenberg Medical’s drive to advance catheter solutions. The facility in Carrick-on-Shannon is a key site within Freudenberg’s network, serving clients involved in electrophysiology, structural heart, and peripheral vascular treatments.
Freudenberg Medical operates a considerable network within Ireland, employing more than 1,000 people and producing over 16 million complex catheters each year across its sites in Co. Leitrim and Co. Galway. This facility is one of several expansions by the company; in 2023, its site in Galway also underwent a major extension, increasing its production capacity by 50% and adding 100 new roles.
Speaking on the strategic importance of the Irish operations, Freudenberg Medical CEO Dr. Mark Ostwald commented, “Ireland is a vital component in our global network, celebrated for its excellence in life sciences and medical device manufacturing. With over 25 years of history in Ireland, this latest investment further strengthens our world-class operations here. The dedication and expertise of our teams have not only won the trust of our clients but have also spurred demand that has driven our decision to expand. We look forward to continuing to provide innovative solutions for the medical device sector.”
Barry Regan, Vice President and General Manager of the Co. Leitrim facility, said the announcement marks a proud moment for the team. “Our expansion in Carrick-on-Shannon is a testament to the talent and commitment of our workforce. This growth will enable us to increase our capacity and enhance the technologies we offer, reinforcing our status as a trusted partner in the field. The addition of 250 jobs is both an achievement for our team and a reflection of our company’s dedication to innovation and growth.”
Recruitment for the new roles is already underway, with the positions spanning engineering, research and development, manufacturing operations, and support services. The new hires will play a crucial role in supporting Freudenberg Medical’s mission to deliver advanced catheter solutions to meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers and patients worldwide.
Freudenberg Medical’s Irish operations were originally established through joint ventures with VistaMed in Co. Leitrim and Cambus Medical in Co. Galway, both of which have since been integrated into the company’s global network. The expansion reinforces Ireland’s reputation as a thriving hub for MedTech and biopharma, solidifying the country’s status within Freudenberg Medical’s international footprint.
