229 NEW PHARMACEUTICAL jobs have been announced for Craigavon in Armagh as part of a  €16 million investment by Almac Pharma Services.

The news was announced at the company’s facility this afternoon by Northern Ireland’s Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.

“This investment is good news for Craigavon and will reinforce Northern Ireland’s position in the wider life sciences sector,” she said.

The new jobs will deliver almost £5.5 million annually in salaries, bringing an important and positive economic boost which will benefit local people.

Almac provides highly specialised drug development and manufacturing contract services to international pharma and biotechnology firms.

The investment will be made across two core areas of the company’s business.

Firstly, a new development and analytical facility will be established for its pharmaceutical development service – creating specialised formulation, drug testing, compliance and quality positions.

Secondly, a key production line which manufactures a drug for the export market is to be expanded, in a move the company says will result in further skilled operations and manufacturing jobs.

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