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 – 6,400 employees
- J&J – 6,000 employees
- Abbott – 5,900 employees
- Pfizer – 5,000 employees
- Stryker – 4,500 employees
- Almac – 4,200 employees
- Medtronic – 4,000 employees
- Lilly – 3,500 employees
- MSD – 3,000 employees
- AbbVie – 2,600 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 – 2,600 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals
Global Revenue: Approximately $56.3 billion (€50.8 billion) in 2023
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
Presence in Ireland: AbbVie now employs almost 2,600 people across 7 sites in Ireland. Alongside 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.
8. MSD – 3,000 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines, Oncology, Diabetes, HIV
Global Revenue: Approximately $60.15 billion (€54.3 billion) in 2023
Brief history: MSD is the world’s fourth-largest pharmaceutical company 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. Its total revenue in 2023 was $60.15 billion, with $53.58 billion coming from pharmaceutical drug sales.
Presence in Ireland: MSD began production in Ireland in 1976. Today, MSD employs over 3,000 people across six sites. It has five manufacturing sites in Ballydine (Co. Tipperary), Brinny (Co. Cork), Carlow Town (Co. Carlow), Dunboyne (Co. Meath) 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.
9. Lilly – 3,500 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals
Global Revenue: Approximately $34.12 billion (€30.8 billion) in 2023
Brief history: Lilly was founded in 1876 in the USA. 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 43,000 people globally. Its revenue in 2023 totalled over $34.12 billion.
Presence in Ireland: Lilly established manufacturing in Ireland with a site in Kinsale, West Cork in 1978. This site produces active pharmaceutical ingredients for products across the Lilly portfolio in three main areas: small molecule API manufacture and supply; small molecule commercialisation; and biopharmaceutical commercialisation and supply. In addition, Lilly established its 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.
More recently Lilly announced that it was investing €400 million in a new manufacturing plant to create 300 jobs in Limerick. Construction is currently underway.
7. Medtronic – 4,000 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Medical Devices, Cardiology, Neurology
Global Revenue: Approximately $31.22 billion (€28.2 billion) in 2023
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 $31.22 billion. Globally, Medtronic employs over 95,000 people.
Presence in Ireland: Medtronic moved into Ireland in 1999 and employs more than 4,000 people across 5 sites in Galway, Athlone and Dublin. Galway operations employ over 2,000 people within sites at Mervue and Parkmore. The third site is a former Covidien manufacturing site in Westmeath, employing over 500 people. Medtronic’s headquarters and principal executive offices are located in Dublin while the Customer Contact Centre in City West houses customer services, sales and marketing functions.
6. Almac – 4,200 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Contract Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing
Global Revenue: Approximately £840 million (€980 million or $1.1 billion) in 2023
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. Almac’s sales revenue in 2023 was £840 million.
Presence in Ireland: Almac has sites in Armagh, Louth and Westmeath.
5. Stryker – 4,500 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Medical Devices, Orthopaedics, Surgical Equipment
Global Revenue: Approximately $20.49 billion (€18.5 billion) in 2023
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 52,000 people worldwide.
Presence in Ireland: Stryker has eight sites across Ireland. It has five manufacturing facilities in Cork, one in Limerick and a manufacturing site in Antrim, Northern Ireland. The five plants in county Cork (Anngrove, Model Farm Road, Springhill, Tullagreen, and Macroom) manufacture neurovascular catheters and coils, cutting accessories, blades & burs and orthopaedic hips while their site in Limerick manufactures orthopaedic knees and bone cement and is home to over 770 employees. It also has an R&D Innovation Centre located in Cork City.
4. Pfizer – 5,000 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals, Vaccines
Global Revenue: Approximately $58.5 billion (€52.8 billion) in 2023
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. In 2023, Pfizer’s revenue was reported as $58.5 billion, making it the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing company in the world.
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. Pfizer currently employs approximately 5,000 people across 3 manufacturing sites in Ringaskiddy Cork, Grange Castle Dublin (formerly Wyeth), and Newbridge Kildare, and two business operation centres at Citywest and Ringsend Dublin. Their manufacturing operations include active pharmaceutical ingredients, solid dose pharmaceuticals, sterile injectables, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals and the BioNTech Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
3. Abbott – 5,900 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Nutrition
Global Revenue: Approximately $40.01 billion (€36.1 billion) in 2023
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. Today they employ almost 5,000 people across 10 Irish locations including manufacturing sites in Cavan, Donegal, Longford, Sligo, Kilkenny (under construction) and Tipperary, and commercial and support operations in Dublin.
2. Johnson & Johnson – 6,000 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Consumer Healthcare
Global Revenue: Total revenue of $85.16 billion (€76.8 billion) in 2023; pharmaceutical segment contributed approximately $52.56 billion (€47.4 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 across three business sectors – Consumer Health, Medical Devices and Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals. It employs over 5,000 people across 10 locations in five counties – Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Mayo.
1. Boston Scientific – 6,400 Employees
📌 Industry Focus: Medical Devices
Global Revenue: Approximately $14.2 billion (€12.8 billion) in 2023
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. Its revenue in 2023 was $14.2 billion and it currently employs approximately 48,000 people across 40 countries.
Presence in Ireland: Boston Scientific has had a manufacturing presence in Ireland since 1994. There are currently three manufacturing sites in Cork, Galway, and Tipperary. Established in 1994, the Galway site is the largest in the country and provides research and development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs and new product development.
The Cork site was opened in 1998 and manufactures a range of devices across several areas of the business.
In Tipperary, focus is on the development, manufacture, and distribution of defibrillators and pacemakers.
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 5,700 employees across its three sites in Galway, Cork, and Tipperary.
However, in terms of global pharmaceutical revenue, Pfizer is the biggest company operating in Ireland, with $58.5 billion (€53.6 billion) in 2023 revenue. Other major players include Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, and MSD (Merck & Co.).
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 42,500 people in manufacturing. (approx 2,300 in Northern Ireland and 40,200 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.
7. What are the top 5 pharmaceutical companies in Ireland?
Based on global pharmaceutical revenue, the top 5 companies operating in Ireland in 2023 were:
| Company | Global Pharmaceutical Revenue (2023) |
|---|---|
| Pfizer | $58.5B (€53.6B) |
| Johnson & Johnson (J&J) | $53.6B (€49.2B) |
| AbbVie | $54.3B (€49.8B) |
| Merck & Co. (MSD) | $53.6B (€49.2B) |
| AstraZeneca | $45.8B (€41.95B) |
7. 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.
8. 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.
The largest medical device manufacturers operating in Ireland include:
- Medtronic – $32.0B (€29.4B)
- Boston Scientific – $14.2B (€13.0B)
- Stryker – $20.5B (€18.8B)
- Abbott (Medical Devices Division) – $16.6B (€15.3B)
9. What drugs does Pfizer make in Ireland?
Pfizer manufactures a range of medicines and vaccines in Ireland, including those for cardiovascular health, oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases. The Grange Castle facility in Dublin produces biologics, including the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, while the Ringaskiddy plant in Cork specializes in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Pfizer’s 2023 global pharmaceutical revenue was $58.5 billion (€53.6 billion), making it the world’s largest pharmaceutical company.
10. Is Novartis in Ireland?
Yes, Novartis has a presence in Ireland, with commercial operations in Cork and Dublin. Novartis’ 2023 global pharmaceutical revenue was $44.2 billion (€40.5 billion).
11. Is Ireland a Pharma Hub?
Yes, Ireland is a major pharma hub and one of the most important global locations for pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
- Global Presence: Ireland hosts operations for 9 of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, AbbVie, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, MSD, GSK, Bristol Myers Squibb, Astra Zeneca, and Sanofi.
- Export Value: The pharmaceutical sector is a significant contributor to Ireland’s exports, with annual exports exceeding €116 billion, positioning Ireland as the world’s third-largest exporter of pharmaceuticals.
- Manufacturing Facilities: Over 75 pharmaceutical companies operate manufacturing operations in the Republic of Ireland, with more than 99 pharmaceutical plants across the country.
- Corporate Tax Rate: As of 2023, Ireland’s corporate tax rate for multinational pharmaceutical companies is 15%.
- Skilled Workforce: Ireland has a highly educated workforce, with its education system ranked among the top 10 globally. The country also has the highest proportion of STEM graduates per capita in the EU among individuals aged 20-29.
12. What certification is best for the pharmaceutical industry?
The best certification for you in the pharmaceutical industry will depend on your background, work experience, and desired career path.
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If you’re new to the industry and aiming for entry-level roles like Process Operator or Manufacturing Operator, the Conversion Course into Pharmaceutical Manufacturing is a great starting point.
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If you already have some experience in an operator role and want to advance to a Process Technician or Manufacturing Technician, the Level 7 Certificate in eBioPharmaChem is the next step. This course offers a more in-depth understanding of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process, regulations, and quality systems, preparing you for higher technical positions.
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For those interested in Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) or C&Q roles, the Equipment Validation Training Course is perfect.
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If you’re aiming for more Senior Validation Roles, consider the Level 7 Certificate in Validation. This is designed for those with prior experience or qualifications who want to specialize in validation at a managerial or senior level, ensuring compliance across manufacturing systems and processes.
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For those specifically interested in Computer System Validation (CSV) roles, GetReskilled offers a dedicated CSV Course.
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If you have a BSc, MSc, or PhD in any biological or chemical science and wish to transition into the pharmaceutical industry, the Conversion Course into Pharma for Scientists is ideal. It’s tailored to bridge the gap between academic science and industry application, preparing you for roles in pharmaceutical development, production, or quality assurance.
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For those with an engineering background or qualifications, the Conversion Course into Engineering Roles in Pharma is designed to help you transition into pharmaceutical roles.
These courses will help you gain the specific qualifications needed to pursue a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry. To explore more detailed information about each course and determine the best fit for your goals, visit GetReskilled’s Pharmaceutical Courses.
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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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