Abbott Diagnostics in Longford is seeking planning permission for a significant expansion at its facility on its site at Lisnamuck on the outskirts of the county town.
The project includes new lab space, production and packaging space, as well as new office accommodation, and car parking.
Abbott began in Sligo in 1994 and expanded its operation to Longford in 2004.
The Longford facility has grown steadily in the years since and now employs up to 1,000 people. The site at Lisnamuck manufactures 18 diagnostic products for health issues such as thyroid function, fertility, cardiology, and metabolic.
In the planning notice published this week the company wants to develop a remotely located carpark of 160 spaces as well as several new extensions of the facility. These include a two-storey lab , production and office expansion to the north of the existing building and a two-storey packaging expansion at the northeast side.
It's also planned to demolish some existing temporary accommodation as well as a house and outbuildings which are located to the south of the site. There's no indication so far from the company that the expansion will lead to the immediate creation of more jobs at the plant , but it's being seen locally as a major vote of confidence in what already has become one of the major jewels in the crown as regards Longford's economic development.]
