Arklow, Co Wicklow – Pharmaceutical and technology giant Merck has announced plans to discontinue operations at its manufacturing facility in Arklow, Co Wicklow, by the end of 2028, resulting in the loss of approximately 100 jobs.
The German multinational, which maintains extensive operations across Ireland, stated that the decision followed a “strategic portfolio review of products at our Arklow, Ireland site,” leading to the discontinuation of the API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) portfolio manufactured there. Consultation regarding the proposal will commence immediately.
Crucially, Merck confirmed that this closure will not affect its significant investment plans in Co Cork. The company recently opened its new €150 million filtration manufacturing facility at Blarney Business Park, which is part of a wider €440 million commitment across its Blarney and Carrigtwohill sites in Cork.
The announcement comes as Merck navigates a shifting global market. Last week, the company guided that its Life Science and Electronics units are expected to improve gradually next year, while the healthcare business is predicted to “temporarily moderate” in its 2026 guidance. Merck is currently targeting net sales between around €20.5 billion and €21.7 billion for 2025, a figure the company has revised downward twice this year, attributed by CEO Belen Garijo to unmaterialized post-pandemic assumptions.
