HUNDREDS of potential new jobs in Enniscorthy were announced on Wednesday at a medical devices manufacturer.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Richard Bruton TD was in town for the unveiling of the completed 50,000 sq. ft. extension to Clearstream Technologies Limited’s existing facility, which accommodates an additional 200 positions and will support growth through 2019.

The company already employs 410 people at the site and is primarily involved in the manufacturing of minimally invasive medical devices such as catheters and stents.

Clearstream has been operating in Enniscorthy since 1996 and was bought out by New Jersey based company CR Bard in 2011.

It has added 160 positions since, with 100 of these jobs added since July.

Speaking at the announcement last week, Vice President of Manufacturing for the American company, Mark Walaska, said he believes “the sky really is the limit in Enniscorthy.”

Quoting the film ‘Field of Dreams’, he added: “If you build it, they will come.”

“At the moment our clean room at this facility is 20% utilised,” he commented.

“That leaves 80% growth opportunity. Also I don’t want people to think that when we’re running at 100% that that’s it. We do have some land on either side and hopefully we can expand even further in the future.”

He added that the additional capacity will allow it to build upon its current product portfolio and potentially add new products.

Minister Bruton, who has twice met CR Bard on recent IDA investment missions to the USA to discuss expansion projects, commented:

“This is a huge boost for Wexford and the South East. In our discussions with CR Bard it has been clear that this is a really ambitious company with big plans for its operations in Enniscorthy and today’s announcement that it will potentially create 200 extra jobs here is great news.

The minister added that medical devices are a “key sector” for Ireland, a sentiment echoed by IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan:

“Strengthening the Life Sciences cluster in the South East in this way gives the region added impetus for future growth. The company has been a substantial employer in the region and the potential to add further jobs is very welcome. This expansion by Clearstream is excellent news, enhancing the country’s reputation as a global hub for the sector.”