TÁNAISTE ATTENDS 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF YAMANOUCHI IRELAND CO. LTD IN MULHUDDART

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Thursday, 9th July 1998) attended the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of Yamanouchi Ireland Company Limited in Mulhuddart, Dublin.

Speaking at the celebrations the Tánaiste said "I am delighted to be here today to join with you in your 10th anniversary celebrations. The pharmaceutical industry, including Yamanouchi and many of the worlds leading companies, have made a very significant contribution to Irish economic development and considerable further growth is anticipated."

"I welcome the Company's environmental friendly approach to business and its ongoing focus on continuous improvement. Indeed, Yamanouchi Ireland has been to the forefront for several years past in promoting dialogue between industry and the wider community on environmental issues. The Company has recognised that sound environmental policies make good commercial sense," the Tánaiste said.

Yamanouchi Ireland officially opened its production facility in Mulhuddart in 1988 on a 42 acre site and, as such, was the Group's first European production facility.

Currently, there are about 70 people directly employed by the company and most of them are highly skilled with expertise in areas such as science, engineering and finance. However, significant indirect employment is also afforded through Yamanouchi purchases of raw materials and services.

Yamanouchi Ireland manufactures bulk pharmaceutical active ingredients for medicinal products for the European, North American and Japanese markets. These products are used in the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions including asthma, cardiac hypertension and peptic ulcers. The main products include front-line treatments for peptic ulcers and heart disease i.e. Famotidine (trade name Gastar) and Nicardipine (trade name Perpidine) respectively.

"In keeping with its policy of continually upgrading its standards, Yamanouchi Ireland is now registered under the prestigious European Community's Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in accordance with which the site has an environmental management system and its environmental performance is reported to the public," the Tánaiste said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for being here today and to wish Joe Harford, his staff and Yamanouchi continued success for the future," the Tánaiste concluded.