Pfizer 50 years in Ireland: special exhibition launches in Cork City Library
Today, An Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Simon Coveney T.D. will officially open a special exhibition at Cork City Library celebrating 50 years since Pfizer first arrived in Ringaskiddy. The exhibition features many images from Pfizer’s archive which showcase the history of Pfizer in Ireland, the significant milestones during this time and the people behind the company.
Whenformer Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, officially opened the site in June 1969, Pfizer Ireland employed just 16 people. Pfizer Ireland now employs 3,700 people across six sites; Ringaskiddy, Little Island, Newbridge, Grange Castle, Ringsend and City West. Pfizer contributes significantly to the Irish economy, from an initial investment of €10 million in 1969, Pfizer’s total investment in Ireland now stands at €8 billion.
Commenting ahead of the official launch of the exhibition celebrating 50 years of Pfizer in Ireland An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade,Simon Coveney T.D. said “Today we are celebrating the successful partnership between Pfizer and Ireland. Over the last 50 years Pfizer has grown to be one of Ireland’s leading employers and also one of the largest pharmaceutical investors in the State. The presence of companies like Pfizer is very important to our economic success and on behalf of the government, we acknowledge and appreciate Pfizer’s continued investment in its Irish operations. I know the people of Cork and beyond will enjoy this exhibition and take pride in the story told through these special images.”
Paul Duffy, Vice President of Pfizer Global Supply, said: “We are very proud of what Pfizer has achieved in Ireland and the contribution Pfizer makes to the local and national economy. Our 3,700 colleagues based in Ireland play a key role in helping get much needed medicines to patients around the world. This is an important era in the development of the company globally – our goal is to develop medicines that transform patients lives and we currently have over 80 innovative therapies in our pipeline. ”
The Exhibition, which is part of the 50thAnniversary Celebrations, has been curated by a team of Pfizer colleagues and will run at Cork City Library until 14 June. The exhibition details a pictorial journey of 50 years from the first press conference, the first staff and the milestones that have brought the business to the success story it is today. The exhibition is open to the public and is free.
