The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD, today announced 100 new jobs in "a top US medical devices firm" in Galway.

Merit Medical is to invest €6.7 million in an expansion of its plant in Galway. It plans to enter the surgical pre-pack business in Europe and establish Galway as its European centre. Merit Medical Ireland Limited (MMIL) established in Galway in 1994, manufacturing guidewires and inflation devices used in hospitals worldwide. It has been involved in research and development since 1997 and today's announcement includes the purchase of a €1.4 million property in Parkmore East, Co Galway.

Announcing the jobs, O'Keeffe described the investment by Merit Medical as significant for Ireland's life science sector: "Ireland has a strong cluster of firms in the life science sector with eight of the top 10 pharmaceutical and 15 of the top 20 medical devices companies based here.

"The 100 new jobs will add to our reputation as a global leader for life science firms.

'Merit Medical has been in Galway for 16 years and the firm's decision to expand and target research and development adds momentum to the Government's strategy to move Ireland up the value chain and capture a greater share of the innovation market.

"As well as the 100 new positions in the plant, the extension project will generate jobs in construction and supply services which is important for the local economy in Galway," said O'Keeffe.

The chairman and chief executive of Merit Medical, Fred P. Lampropoulos, said: "Merit employs 250 people in Galway and when it was decided to venture into the surgical pre-pack market in Europe, a number of location options were considered.

"The success of Merit's established operation in Ireland and the skills set of the existing Irish management team made Ireland Merit's location of choice."