Pfizer plans to invest $297 million in a new biotech plant in Ireland for the production of experimental medicines. The facility will develop and produce small-scale quantities of products for Phase II and III trials, and will create approximately 100 jobs over the course of three years.
   
The facility at Shanbally in County Cork will be adjacent to Pfizer’s existing operation in Ringaskiddy and will be completed by the end of 2009.
   
Nat Ricciardi of Pfizer Global Manufacturing said, “The investment reflects the U.S. group’s determination to become a leader in biotech medicine, which is a growing focus for many drug companies worldwide.”