Specialty materials company expands and relocates
Ashland has completed the expansion of its Viatel bioresorbable polymer manufacturing site and has relocated R&D from Dublin to the National Science Park, Mullingar, Ireland. The National Science Park in Mullingar is home to a network of innovative organisations including Ireland’s leading research centre for manufacturing solutions (IMR).
“Viatel bioresorbable polymers are used to deliver improved treatment solutions for many chronic diseases,” said Seán McMahon, business manager, Viatel bioresorbable polymers, Ashland. “These materials are the building blocks in extended-release drug formulations, bioresorbable medical devices and tissue engineering scaffolds. Relocation of R&D to the Mullingar site is critical for our new product development strategy and our ability to solve complex customer challenges with customized chemistry.”
Ashland supplies more than 70 GMP grades of lactide/glycolide/caprolactone copolymers within its growing Viatel portfolio, along with a state-of-the-art custom-made polymer production unit to serve changing customer requirements.
“This facility expansion allows Ashland to focus on serving our customer needs as they pursue clinical studies and prepare for commercialization,” said Dean Ross, global business manager, pharmaceutical specialities, Ashland. “We believe the Mullingar facility provides an excellent environment for manufacturing and creative problem-solving.”
Denis Curran, Divisional Head of Regional Development and Property, IDA Ireland said: “The decision by Ashland to locate its R&D facility to Mullingar is very much in line with IDA Ireland’s new strategy Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021–2024, which has committed to building on the strengths and competencies of the Midlands Region with a particular focus on high value manufacturing, services and RD&I opportunities. The Midlands is a key location for FDI and in recognition of that, IDA Ireland has targeted 25 new investments for the region and will deliver Advanced Building Solutions in Athlone, Longford and Mullingar over the lifetime of our new strategy. I wish Ashland every success with this expansion and relocation.”