Ireland has a world-renowned reputation for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing. The country is home to 9 of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies and 18 of the top 25 MedTech companies by annual sales and revenue.
To better understand the local impact, we explored which companies contribute the most to Ireland in terms of employment.
Below is a list of the top 10 pharmaceutical and medical device companies ranked by the size of their workforce in Ireland.
- Boston Scientific – 7,000 employees
- J&J – 6,000 employees
- Abbott – 6,000 employees
- Stryker – 5,000 employees
- Pfizer – 4,500 employees
- Almac – 4,200 employees
- Medtronic – 4,000 employees
- MSD – 3,600 employees
- Lilly – 3,500 employees
- AbbVie – 2,900 employees
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Many of these companies also have offices that support business operations, commercial activities, supply chain management, and more.
10. Abbvie – 2,900 Employees
📌 Industry: Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals
Global Revenue: Approximately $61.16B billion (€53.1 billion) in 2025
Brief history: AbbVie is an American biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 when Abbott Laboratories announced its plan to separate into two publicly traded companies. It was decided that the “new” Abbott Laboratories would specialize in diversified products including medical devices, diagnostic equipment and nutrition products, while AbbVie would operate as a research-based pharmaceutical manufacturer that specialises in making small molecule drugs for patients worldwide. Abbvie completed its acquisition of Allergan in 2020
Workforce in Ireland: 2,900 people across 7 sites
Locations: Abbvie has five manufacturing facilities in Cork, Dublin, Sligo, and Mayo, there are two offices in Dublin that serve the needs of the company’s Commercial, Supply Chain and Operations activities.
Focus: Solid dose and capsule formulations, high-potent APIs, biologics aseptic fill-finish, Botox, oncology injectables, and drug delivery devices
9. Lilly – 3,500 Employees
📌 Industry: Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals
Global Revenue: Approximately $65.2 billion (€56.7 billion) in 2025
Brief history: Lilly was founded in 1876 in the USA and as of 2025, is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing company in the world by revenue Lilly currently markets products in multiple disease areas including cancer, diabetes, schizophrenia, depression and many more. Its products are available in over 135 countries around the world, and it employs 50,000 people globally.
History in Ireland: Lilly established manufacturing in Ireland with a site in Kinsale, West Cork in 1978.
Workforce: 3,500
Locations: Two manufacturing sites in Kinsale and Limerick and a Global Business Solutions (GBS) centre in Little Island, Cork City which focuses on finance, supply chain, HR data management, customer support, clinical trial management and more.
Focus: Tirzepatide — the active pharmaceutical ingredient used in diabetes and obesity drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound and the biologic active ingredients for Lilly’s Alzheimer’s disease portfolio and future medicines.
8. MSD – 3,600 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines,
Global Revenue: Approximately $65.15 billion (€56.6 billion) in 2025
Brief history: MSD is the world’s fourth-largest pharmaceutical company in terms of revenue providing products to over 140 countries. They produce a wide range of products including vaccines and prescription medications for diseases including diabetes, HIV, hepatitis C, oncology, and osteoporosis.
History in Ireland: MSD began production in Ireland in 1976.
Workforce: 3,600 people across seven sites.
Locations: Six manufacturing sites in Ballydine (Co. Tipperary), Brinny (Co. Cork), Carlow Town (Co. Carlow), Dunboyne (Co. Meath), Dundalk, (Co Louth) and Dublin. The commercial head office for its animal health and human health businesses as well as several global and national support services (including clinical research, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, sales, policy & communications and marketing) is located at Red Oak North in Dublin.
Focus: Small molecule APIs (Ballydine), novel vaccines (Brinny), biologics filling (Carlow), single-use biologics drug substance (Dunboyne), Keytruda and immuno-oncology biologics (MSD Biotech Dublin), and vaccines (Dundalk, acquired 2025).
7. Medtronic – 4,000 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Medical Devices, Cardiology, Neurology
Global Revenue: Approximately $36.36 billion (€31.4 billion) in 2025
Brief history: Medtronic began as a medical supply repair shop in the US in 1949. Its first commercial product was a battery-powered, wearable pacemaker. From then on they have focused on technology as a means of improving treatment.
In 2014, Medtronic bought Irish company Covidien to further expand its operations. It is now the largest medical device company in the world with revenues in 2023 of $36.36 billion. Globally, Medtronic employs over 95,000 people.
History in Ireland: Medtronic moved into Ireland in 1999
Workforce: 4,000 people across 6 sites
Locations: 3 manufacturing sites in Galway and Athlone. Medtronic’s headquarters and principal executive offices are located in Galway while the Customer Contact Centre is in City West, Dublin. A new Patient Care Systems software hub at Parkmore, Galway was added in 2026.
Focus: Respiratory and monitoring solutions, cardiac devices, cardiac and airways products.
6. Almac – 4,200 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Contract Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing
Global Revenue: Approximately £1.027 billion (€1.18 billion ) in 2025
Brief history: Almac is a contract development and manufacturing company providing an extensive range of services across the drug development lifecycle to the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors based in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1968 and employs 7,000 worldwide.
Presence in Ireland: Almac has sites in Armagh, Louth and Westmeath.
5. Pfizer – 4,500 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals, Vaccines
Global Revenue: Approximately $62.58 billion (€54.4 billion) in 2025
Brief history: Pfizer was first established in 1849 as a fine-chemicals business in New York and has grown to become the world’s biggest biopharmaceutical company through both pipeline development and acquisition. Pfizer has treatments in many prominent disease areas and therapies in most high-growth markets.
Presence in Ireland: Pfizer was one of the first pharmaceutical companies to move into Ireland, in 1969. Its total capital investment in Ireland exceeds $9 billion.
Workforce: 4,500
Locations: 3 manufacturing sites in Ringaskiddy Cork, Grange Castle Dublin (formerly Wyeth), and Newbridge Kildare. Pfizer has two business operation centres at Citywest and Ringsend Dublin.
Focus: Active pharmaceutical ingredients, solid dose pharmaceuticals, sterile injectables, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals and the BioNTech Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
4. Stryker – 5,000 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Medical Devices, Orthopaedics, Surgical Equipment
Global Revenue: Approximately $25.1 billion (€21.8 billion) in 2025
Brief history: Stryker was founded by an orthopaedic surgeon in the U.S in 1941. Dr Stryker was aiming to make products that met his patients’ healthcare needs. Stryker continues in the field of medical technology today with a focus on surgical devices – now one of the biggest such companies in the world. Its total revenue in 2023 was $20.49 billion and it currently employs over 53,000 people worldwide.
Presence in Ireland: Stryker began operations in Ireland in 1998
Workforce: 5,000
Locations: Stryker has eight sites across Ireland. It has five manufacturing facilities in county Cork (Anngrove, Model Farm Road, Springhill, Tullagreen, and Macroom) one in Limerick and a manufacturing site in Antrim, Northern Ireland. It also has an R&D Innovation Centre located in Cork City.
Focus: Neurovascular catheters and coils, cutting accessories, blades & burs and orthopaedic hips, orthopaedic knees and bone cement.
3. Abbott – 6,000 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Nutrition
Global Revenue: Approximately $44.33 billion (€38.5 billion) in 2025
Brief history: Abbott worldwide was founded in 1888. Globally, Abbott currently employs 114,000 people, with a customer base across over 130 countries. It reported global sales in 2023 of $40.01 billion. Abbott works in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of a range of products. Their portfolio spans the breadth of healthcare including medical devices, diagnostics, branded generic pharmaceuticals, and nutritionals.
Presence in Ireland: Abbott has had a presence in Ireland since 1946.
Workforce: 6,000
Locations: 10 locations including manufacturing sites in Cavan, Donegal, Longford, Sligo, Kilkenny, and Tipperary, rapid diagnostics in Galway and commercial and support operations in Dublin.
Focus: FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring sensors, diagnostic reagents for thyroid, fertility, cardiology and metabolic testing, infant formula and enteral nutrition devices, and vascular devices.
2. Johnson & Johnson – 6,000 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Consumer Healthcare
Global Revenue: Total revenue of $94.2 billion (€81.9 billion) in 2025; pharmaceutical segment contributed approximately $60.4 billion (€52.5 billion)
Brief history: Johnson & Johnson is a US-based multinational company that manufactures medical devices, pharmaceuticals and consumer packaged goods. It was founded in 1886 by Robert Wood Johnson I, James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson. The company’s headquarters are located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Johnson & Johnson is a leading name with many household items such as Johnson & Johnson baby products, Neutrogena skin and beauty products, Band-Aid, and clean and clear face washes.
Presence in Ireland: Johnson & Johnson has been operating in Ireland for 80 years.
Workforce: 6000
Locations: Locations in four counties – Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Galway.
Focus: Pharmaceutical APIs, cancer and immunology medicines, orthopaedic joint replacements, contact lenses, and neurovascular stroke devices.
1. Boston Scientific – 7,000 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Medical Devices
Global Revenue: Approximately $20.7 billion (€18 billion) in 2025
Brief history: Boston Scientific produces a large range of medical devices used to diagnose and treat patients with issues in the areas of cardiology, urology, endoscopy and many more. It was founded in 1979 with the aim of creating less invasive medical devices and procedures and they continue to innovate across expanding areas of medicine. Itcurrently employs approximately 53,000 people across 40 countries.
Presence in Ireland: Boston Scientific has had a manufacturing presence in Ireland since 1994.
Workforce: 7000
Locations: Three manufacturing sites in Cork, Galway, and Tipperary
Focus: Drug-eluting stents, catheters, and biliary stents, occlusion coils, and inflation devices.
FAQ: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturing Industry in Ireland
1. What is the biggest pharmaceutical company in Ireland?
The largest pharmaceutical company in Ireland by workforce is Boston Scientific, with approximately 7,000 employees across its three sites in Galway, Cork, and Tipperary.
However, in terms of global pharmaceutical revenue, Lilly is the biggest pharma company operating in Ireland, with $65.2 billion (€56.7 billion) for 2025.
2. Why are so many pharmaceutical companies in Ireland?
Ireland is a global hub for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing due to several key factors:
- Attractive tax policies (15% corporate tax rate)
- Highly skilled workforce with expertise in science, engineering, and manufacturing
- EU membership, providing easy access to the European market
- Strong regulatory compliance aligned with FDA and EMA standards
- Government incentives for research, innovation, and investment
3. How many pharmaceutical companies are in Ireland?
There are approximately 125 pharmaceutical companies in the whole of Ireland, with manufacturing, business services, clinical trials, corporate, and R&D operations, including all 9 of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical firms.
In terms of manufacturing, there are 75 companies operating over 99 pharmaceutical and vaccines and animal health manufacturing facilities with over 35,000 people directly employed within those facilities. There are many thousands more people employees by contract service companies, engineering consultancies and contractors, and companies that supply support services.
4. How many medical device companies are there in Ireland
Ireland had over 300 medical device and medtech companies, employing more than 50,000 people. The number includes not just manufacturers but also companies are engaged in research and development activities, suppliers, and other related businesses. These companies include both multinational corporations and indigenous firms, with many operating multiple sites across the country.
In terms of manufacturing, GetReskilled’s research team has found that whole of Ireland has 85 medical device and MedTech companies engaged in manufacturing operating 113 manufacturing facilities. The sector directly employs approximately 43,000 people in manufacturing. (approx 1,760 in Northern Ireland and 41,200 in the Republic)
5. What are the key locations for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ireland?
Pharmaceutical and MedTech companies have major operations in
- Dublin
- Cork
- Limerick
- Galway (Medical Devices)
- Waterford
- Sligo
- Mayo
Cork and Dublin are particularly strong hubs for biopharmaceuticals and sterile manufacturing.
6. Does Ireland manufacture biologics and vaccines?
Yes, Ireland is a major producer of biologics and vaccines. Companies like Pfizer, MSD (Merck & Co.), Lilly, and AbbVie have biopharmaceutical manufacturing plants that produce monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and other biologic treatments.
7. What medical devices are made in Ireland?
Ireland is one of the world’s leading MedTech hubs, producing devices such as stents, pacemakers, orthopedic implants, catheters, and diagnostic equipment.
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About the Author
Donagh Fitzgerald
Head of Marketing & Product Development
Mechanical/Production Engineer
Donagh looks after the marketing and product development including the training and pedagogical elements of our programs and makes sure that all GetReskilled’s users can have a great online learning experience. Donagh has lived and worked in many countries including Ireland, America, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Donagh has also served as the Program Manager for the Farmleigh Fellowship based out of Singapore.
Donagh holds Degrees in Production Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from South East Technological University, Ireland.
Claire Wilson
Content Marketing and Career Coaching
Claire runs GetReskilled’s Advanced Career Coaching Programme – our specially devised job hunting course that helps our trainees take that final step into employment by leading them through the job hunting process. She is extremely enthusiastic about helping people reach their final goal of employment in their new career path.
Claire has a BSc (Hons) in Medical Biology from Edinburgh University and spent 7 years working in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
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