Leading diagnostics company Beckman Coulter has announced a substantial €10 million investment in its East Clare facility, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and growth in Ireland’s Mid-West region. The investment will significantly enhance the site’s diagnostics production capabilities, with the addition of two new fully automated reagent filling lines and infrastructure upgrades.

The company, which is currently the largest employer in East Clare, is actively recruiting for 50 open positions. Furthermore, Beckman Coulter has unveiled plans to create an additional 30 jobs between 2025 and 2027, targeting highly-skilled professionals in key areas such as Production Operations, Quality & Regulatory Affairs, and Research & Development.

This expansion is set to increase the facility’s workforce from its current 550-plus employees to approximately 600, nearly doubling the headcount since 2018. The economic impact of this growth is substantial, with an independent assessment revealing that Beckman Coulter contributed €183 million to the regional economy in 2023 based on annual Gross Value Added (GVA).

Beckman Coulter, East Clare, Ireland

Influence on the region

The company’s influence extends beyond direct employment. The Employment Income Impact for the regional economy in 2023 was €55 million, with €22 million provided through employees residing in Co. Clare alone. Over the next five years, Beckman Coulter’s regional employment income impact is projected to generate an impressive €380 million.

Kevin O’Reilly, the Ireland-born president of Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s role in his home country: “I’m incredibly happy about Beckman Coulter’s significant contributions to my home country, Ireland, not only to the local economy but also to enhancing healthcare every day.”

Despite its substantial industrial presence, Beckman Coulter has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The 15,900m² facility is situated within 120 hectares of farmland, and the company has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives. These include the use of renewable energy, a wormery waste treatment plant, a water treatment plant, and the development of a 5km nature trail.

Global impact on healthcare

As one of the top three diagnostics companies worldwide, Beckman Coulter plays a crucial role in global healthcare. The company’s instruments analyse more than 1 million samples every hour in hospitals around the world. In Ireland, hospitals in Cork, Kerry, and Mayo are among those utilising Beckman Coulter’s advanced diagnostic equipment.

EU Commissioner-designate Michael McGrath highlighted the company’s significance: “Beckman Coulter is a superb case study of the impact of foreign direct investment in Ireland, including into rural communities. There are few settings more rural for an FDI than this site in East Clare. Yet Beckman Coulter produces cutting-edge diagnostic tools here that are critical to the delivery of healthcare across the globe and at the same time makes a massive economic impact on this area.”

The €10 million investment and planned expansion underscore Beckman Coulter’s long-term commitment to Ireland and its role in advancing global healthcare.

Kevin O’Reilly, president of Beckman Coulter Diagnostics

Global impact on healthcare

As one of the top three diagnostics companies worldwide, Beckman Coulter plays a crucial role in global healthcare. The company’s instruments analyse more than 1 million samples every hour in hospitals around the world. In Ireland, hospitals in Cork, Kerry, and Mayo are among those utilising Beckman Coulter’s advanced diagnostic equipment.

EU Commissioner-designate Michael McGrath highlighted the company’s significance: “Beckman Coulter is a superb case study of the impact of foreign direct investment in Ireland, including into rural communities. There are few settings more rural for an FDI than this site in East Clare. Yet Beckman Coulter produces cutting-edge diagnostic tools here that are critical to the delivery of healthcare across the globe and at the same time makes a massive economic impact on this area.”

The €10 million investment and planned expansion underscore Beckman Coulter’s long-term commitment to Ireland and its role in advancing global healthcare.