US biotechnology firm Amgen has outlined plans for a new €800 million facility in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, that is expected to create 1,100 jobs.
Amgen will make drugs for the treatment of cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses in the new factory.
Construction of the factory will get under way later in 2006 at a 133-acre greenfield site, and operations are expected to begin in 2009.
"This is a landmark decision and one which is welcomed not just by Cork but by all of Ireland," said Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Micheál Martin .
Dr Fabrizio Bonanni, senior vice president of manufacturing at Amgen, said the company chose Ireland ahead of aother European locations because of its "thriving biotechnology community, infrastructure to support biologics manufacturing and pro-business environment".
Amgen also announced today it will expand its research and development operations in the United States and in Britain .
The company has also formed a new entity, Amgen International, it says will ensure patients in emerging markets in central and southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America have access in the future to Amgen's products.