The Kilkenny site will serve as a global manufacturing centre of excellence for Abbott’s diabetes care division, creating over 800 jobs.

This facility is part of a €440 million investment in Ireland, which also includes a major expansion of Abbott’s Donegal operations, adding 200 more jobs.

Spanning 30,000 square meters, the Kilkenny facility is producing the FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors—the smallest and most advanced continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors in Abbott’s portfolio. The sensors are designed for people living with diabetes and represent a significant innovation in diabetes care.

Sustainability was a key consideration in the facility’s design. It is fully electric, powered by six air-to-water heat pumps, features nearly600 solar panels, and includes rainwater collection tanks for on-site use.

As part of its ongoing commitment to Ireland, Abbott announced a $100,000 (€95,000) grant to The Ireland Funds. This grant, managed through The Fund’s No Mind Left Behind scholarship program, will support three 2024 Leaving Certificate graduates from DEIS schools—Coláiste Mhuire, Grennan College, and Castlecomer Community School. The scholarships will enable these students to pursue third-level education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), aligning with Abbott’s goal of encouraging young people to enter STEM careers.

Beyond Ireland, Abbott is also investing £85 million (€101 million) to expand its manufacturing facility in Witney, Oxfordshire, UK.

At the opening event, Taoiseach Simon Harris highlighted Abbott’s long-standing presence in Ireland: “Abbott, established here since 1946, is one of the longest-standing global companies and largest employers in our country. This investment reaffirms Ireland’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and healthcare innovation. With this new site, Ireland is now a global leader in diabetes care.”

Robert Ford, Abbott’s chairman and CEO, also spoke about the investment:

“This facility underscores our commitment to innovative care and improving the lives of people with diabetes. The Kilkenny site will have the highest production of Libre sensors worldwide, addressing the growing demand for our FreeStyle Libre portfolio. Ireland remains central to Abbott’s mission, with 10 sites across all four provinces driving progress in diagnostics, medical devices, and nutrition.”