Healthcare giant Abbott has completed a 30,000 sqm facility in Kilkenny, Ireland.
The new facility has been built for medical device manufacturing, specifically the FreeStyle Libre sensors.
These are a life-changing product for those with diabetes, as a glucose monitoring device.
The facility has now been shortlisted for an Irish Construction Industry Award in the ‘Advanced Manufacturing Facility’ category.
Completed in November 2024, the facility includes 1,200 sqm of ISO Class 8 cleanroom, CNC production areas, CNC high bay warehouse, changing facilities, as well as an admin block with new staff canteen, and a car park for 500 cars.
The site is fully electric, powered by six air-to-water heat pumps, has nearly 600 solar panels on the roof and features tanks for collecting rainwater to use onsite
RKD Architects were the lead architect on this project, working with multiple partners for the full completion:
- McElroy Associates – Mechanical & electrical engineering
- Mulcahy McDonagh & Partners – Cost management
- Malachy Walsh & Partners – Civil & structural engineering
- John Paul Construction – Main contractor
- Dornan Engineering – Mechanical contractor
- Suir Engineering – Electrical contractor
- Asgard – Cleanroom contractor
Though the exact cost for the Kilkenny facility is confidential, it is part of a €440m investment in Ireland, which includes a significant expansion of the company’s Donegal site.
Robert Ford, Chairman and CEO, Abbott, explained that the Kilkenny facility will have the highest production of Libre sensors in the world. “Ireland plays a crucial role in helping Abbott deliver on our purpose, with 10 sites across all four provinces supporting our work in diagnostics, medical devices and nutrition," he said.
Cleanroom contractor, Asgard Cleanroom Solutions, has also been involved with the developments at the Donegal site.
Abbott’s Kilkenny facility sustainability design
The Kilkenny facility was built with sustainability in mind.
The site is fully electric, powered by six air-to-water heat pumps, has nearly 600 solar panels on the roof and features tanks for collecting rainwater to use onsite.