Tánaiste welcomes deal to secure future of Sligo plant

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD, along with her Dáil colleagues, Deputies Jimmy Devins and Eamon Scanlon have welcomed an agreement reached between Pfizer Animal Health and Elanco which will see a substantial investment in the Fort Dodge biologicals manufacturing facility in Sligo.

Under the terms of the agreement, Elanco will acquire European rights to a portfolio of products previously marketed by Pfizer Animal Health and Fort Dodge Animal Health including vaccines, parasiticides and feed additives, that are used in both food production, animal and companion animal segments as well as the Fort Dodge biologicals manufacturing facility in Sligo. All current Sligo employees are expected to transfer to the new facility. Some 80 people are employed at the facility in Finisklin which has been in operation since 1990.

The Tánaiste stated: “I have met with management of Fort Dodge in Sligo in the past and am aware of how ambitious and progressive they are. I know that plant manager, Pat Glynn and his team are particularly pleased at the development which has been announced today. This has the potential to be the catalyst for future expansion and I am confident that this news will prove a very positive one for Sligo and its hinterland.”

The Sligo plant was formerly owned by Wyeth which was taken over by Pfizer last year. Elanco is a subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company. Today’s deal is subject to approval by European regulatory authorities and other closing conditions.

In order to ensure an uninterrupted supply of product to customers, both companies have also signed corresponding manufacturing supply agreements for certain products. No other terms of the transaction were disclosed.