Published: Friday, 29th January, 2010 12:00pm

Tullamore to get 25 new 'high-value' jobs

A Japanese company is to create 25 jobs in Tullamore over the next five years.

The pharmaceutical equipment company's new Irish operation will serve the European market.

The announcement will see the company create 25 high-skilled positions in drug delivery development and clinical trial manufacturing, as well as marketing and sales. Tullamore will be its European base.

Yasutoyo Fusejima, is the founder, chairman and CEO of Freund Corporation.

"Ireland was a natural choice for this important operation, given the highly qualified workforce and pro-business environment here. We look forward to counting our Irish operation as a pivotal hub of our European presence," he said on Tuesday.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced the good news for the local jobs market on Tuesday and welcomed the company to the town.

"This investment is great news for Ireland and the midlands region in particular. It is Freund Corporation's first investment in Europe and further reinforces Ireland's profile as a leading location for pharmaceutical companies," he said.

"Freund Corporation is a very successful Japanese company and we hope that Ireland will assist the company in developing and growing its business now and in the future."

Freund Corporation has been in operation for the last 45 years as a manufacturer of pharmaceutical equipment, excipients and food preservatives. It has over 5,000 worldwide equipment installations and 400 patents reflecting creative technology and unique products.

The investment is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.