Fort Wayne Metals, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has completed the company’s €10 million expansion of its facility in Ireland, an investment that could eventually create up to 80 new jobs at its plant in Castlebar.

Per IDA Ireland and online reports, the 20,000-sq-ft expansion will bolster Fort Wayne Metals’ development of revolutionary materials for medical devices. In 2002, Fort Wayne Metals first established the plant in Castlebar, where it now employs 95 people who help manufacture products for medical device companies in Ireland, Europe and Asia. The expansion represents the next stage of growth for the company with its product diversification strategy focused on the manufacture and supply of specialty alloys such as nitinol (nickel-titanium).

The official opening was lauded by dignitaries. "This major investment shows the company is committed for the long term," said Leo Eric Varadkar, the current Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Ireland. "Essential components for medical devices which can improve and save lives are manufactured here and sold around the world. Congratulations to the local staff and management team who will be joined by 80 new employees over the next five years. The government, through IDA Ireland, will continue to work with Fort Wayne as the company expands in the years ahead."

"This expansion is a testament to the hard work and talent of our Irish employees," said Fort Wayne Metals CEO Scott Glaze. "Their expertise and dedication have been fundamental to the growth of Fort Wayne Metals Ireland, and I have every confidence that they will be successful as they take on the challenges of manufacturing precision nitinol wire for our customers around the world."

Fort Wayne Metals is a privately held company with 12 manufacturing plants. Fort Wayne Metals Ireland is the corporation’s only manufacturing facility outside the U.S.