WuXi Biologics completes major manufacturing facility in Ireland

China-based WuXi Biologics has completed construction of its state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility in Dundalk, Republic of Ireland, marking its first site outside China.

The €325m project began in December 2018 and commenced operations in December 2021, supporting large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins.

The 43,432 m² greenfield site spans seven buildings, including a three-storey production facility, an 11,051 m² laboratory and administrative building, and a two-storey central utility building.

The facility features two cell culture manufacturing areas, with twelve 4,000 litre single-use bioreactors delivering a total capacity of 48,000 litres. The first 16,000 litre manufacturing run at MFG7 in January 2024 enabled full-scale commercial production.

The site generated over 2,000 construction jobs and created 500 highly skilled permanent roles, now employing more than 7,000 personnel. In August 2025, the European Medicines Agency approved the Dundalk facility to manufacture a client’s novel biologic for commercial supply, following GMP authorisation from Ireland’s Health Products Regulatory Authority in 2024.

Designed with advanced construction and sustainability standards, the facility is fully powered by renewable energy, achieving a 1.7 GWh reduction in electricity and a 3.4 GWh reduction in natural gas usage. Automation and extensive windowed cleanrooms reduce contamination risk, while open-plan laboratories and collaborative spaces support operational efficiency.

Michael Behan, Chief Financial Officer of EirGrid, said: “We have seen significant progress on the project over the last two years thanks to the collaboration of contractors, partners and especially to the communities of east Cork who have cooperated with us throughout each phase since the project began construction.”

Key contractors included Scott Tallon Walker Architects, Jacobs, PJ Hegarty, Ardmac, and Mercury, overseeing architecture, construction management, cleanroom installation, and mechanical and electrical works.

Explore the full scope and construction details of the Dundalk facility in the full story.

Photo credits to WuXi Biologics official website