Aerogen Announces 725 New Jobs and €300m Expansion in Galway Medtech Sector – The Irish Times

Aerogen, a trailblazing Irish medtech firm, has announced a transformative €300 million investment plan, set to create 725 new jobs. This strategic expansion comes at a time when global trade dynamics are under scrutiny, yet founder John Power remains optimistic about the resilience of the medtech industry.

John Power, who launched aerogen over a butcher’s shop in Moycullen more than 25 years ago, has grown the company into a global leader in respiratory nebuliser technology. While its headquarters remain in Galway, nearly 44% of its exports are directed to the United States, solidifying the US as its most vital market. “For any life-sciences medtech company in Ireland, the US is the primary focus,” Power stated. “It’s the largest market globally for medical companies. Twenty percent of Aerogen’s global workforce is based in the US, so America has always been our key market.”

Aerogen has consistently grown at an impressive 20% annual rate over the past decade.With annual revenues surpassing €150 million, the company is now accelerating its innovation in respiratory device technology.Over the next decade, Aerogen plans to expand its workforce to over 2,000 employees, with more than half of these roles based in Ireland.

“We’ve built deep, meaningful relationships in the US clinical medical field,” Power explained. “I can’t see that changing, regardless of which government is in power. Discussions about tariffs on products would only increase costs within the US healthcare system. I don’t see how that benefits anyone.” He emphasized that medtech products, which provide significant value to American patients, are unlikely targets for tariffs. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Aerogen’s devices played a critical role in treating ventilated patients across the US. “We were the ones who shipped products used on nearly every American patient who ended up on a ventilator—our devices delivered life-saving drugs. I don’t see how tariffs would benefit anyone in this context.”

Aerogen’s innovative drug delivery systems have treated over 25 million patients worldwide,spanning emergency rooms,intensive care units,general wards,and ambulance services. “that’s 25 million lives touched,” Power reflected. “I often tell new employees to think about how each device we make reaches someone in critical need, somewhere in the world. Our products are used in 80 countries,and each one makes a difference to an individual patient. The fact that we’ve impacted 25 million lives is truly unusual.”

The new positions will further strengthen Aerogen’s global presence, with a focus on innovation and expanding its reach in the medtech sector. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes worldwide while driving economic growth in Ireland and beyond.

aerogen’s Bold Expansion: A €300 Million Investment and 725 New Jobs

in a landmark declaration, aerogen, Ireland’s largest indigenous medtech company, has revealed plans for a €300 million investment, creating 725 new jobs across Galway and Shannon. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to innovation in research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and engineering, while also providing a significant boost to the local economy.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Leadership

Founded 25 years ago as a small operation above a butcher’s shop in Moycullen, Aerogen has grown into a powerhouse in the medtech industry. John power, the company’s founder, reflects on this journey with pride. “It all started with a vision to improve patient care through innovative medical technologies,” he says. “Back in the early days, resources were limited, but the passion and determination of our small team were boundless.”

Power credits the company’s success to its unwavering focus on creating high-quality, life-saving devices.“The challenges were many—securing funding, building a skilled workforce, and navigating regulatory landscapes—but each obstacle taught us valuable lessons that shaped Aerogen into what it is today.”

Navigating Global Challenges

The announcement comes at a time when the medtech sector faces potential challenges, including tariffs under the Trump management. However, Power remains confident in Aerogen’s resilience. “The medtech sector is inherently resilient. Our products are critical to patient care, and demand for innovative medical solutions continues to grow globally,” he explains.

He adds, “While tariffs could pose challenges, Aerogen’s strong market position, diversified supply chain, and focus on R&D ensure that we’re well-prepared to adapt.Additionally, our partnerships with healthcare providers and governments worldwide provide a stable foundation for growth, regardless of external pressures.”

A vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Power envisions Aerogen as a global leader in medtech innovation. “Our expansion plan is not just about scaling operations; it’s about advancing technologies that improve patient outcomes,” he says. The company is investing heavily in R&D to develop next-generation devices that address unmet medical needs. “Our goal is to make a meaningful impact on global healthcare, and this expansion is a crucial step toward achieving that vision.”

Government Support and Economic Impact

The expansion has garnered support from Enterprise Ireland, aligning with the government’s focus on fostering high-growth companies. Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke praised the announcement, stating that companies like Aerogen are pivotal to the nation’s economic progress in the coming years.

The new jobs will span across R&D, manufacturing, science, and engineering, primarily at Aerogen’s facilities in Parkmore and Shannon. This move not only strengthens Aerogen’s position in the global medtech market but also reinforces Ireland’s reputation as a hub for innovation and economic growth.

Conclusion

Aerogen’s journey from a modest startup to a global medtech leader is a testament to the power of vision,perseverance,and innovation. With its latest expansion, the company is poised to make an even greater impact on healthcare worldwide, while driving economic growth at home. As John Power aptly puts it, “This expansion is a pivotal moment for Aerogen—one that reflects our commitment to improving lives through cutting-edge medical technologies.”

Navigating the Medtech Industry: Insights for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The medtech industry is a dynamic and transformative space, offering immense opportunities for innovation and impact.For entrepreneurs looking to carve out their niche in this field, the journey can be both challenging and rewarding. To shed light on this path, we turn to the wisdom of John Power, a seasoned leader in the medtech sector.

Staying True to Your Mission

When asked about advice for aspiring medtech entrepreneurs, John Power emphasized the importance of staying focused on your mission. “my advice is simple: stay focused on your mission and never lose sight of the people you’re serving,” he said. This principle underscores the human-centric nature of the medtech industry, where every innovation has the potential to save lives.

Building a Passionate Team

Success in medtech isn’t a solo endeavor. Power highlighted the value of surrounding yourself with a talented and passionate team.”the medtech industry is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Surround yourself with a talented, passionate team, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks,” he advised. Collaboration and shared vision are key to overcoming the hurdles inherent in this field.

The Power of Calculated Risks

Innovation often requires stepping into the unknown.Power encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace calculated risks, emphasizing that breakthroughs rarely come without bold moves. “Most importantly, remember that every innovation you bring to market has the potential to save lives—that’s what drives us at Aerogen, and it’s what will drive you to succeed,” he shared.This mindset not only fuels progress but also aligns with the industry’s ultimate goal: improving patient outcomes.

Looking Ahead

As the conversation concluded,Power expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share his insights. “Thank you. It’s been a pleasure,” he said. his words serve as a reminder that the medtech industry thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on making a difference.

For those eager to stay updated on the latest advancements in medtech, following industry leaders and thought-provoking discussions is essential. The journey might potentially be demanding,but the rewards—both personal and professional—are unparalleled.

For more insights into the medtech industry and its groundbreaking developments, stay tuned to our platform.

How has the €300 million investment adn creation of 725 new jobs impacted Aerogen’s strategic expansion and its ability to advance innovation in respiratory care?

Interview with John Power, Founder and CEO of Aerogen

By Archys, Archyde News Editor

Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, john. Aerogen’s recent proclamation of a €300 million investment and the creation of 725 new jobs has been making headlines. Can you tell us more about what this expansion means for Aerogen and the medtech industry as a whole?

John Power: Thank you for having me. This expansion is a critically important milestone for Aerogen and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team over the past 25 years. It’s not just about scaling our operations; it’s about advancing innovation in respiratory care and improving patient outcomes on a global scale. With this investment, we’re doubling down on R&D to develop next-generation devices that address unmet medical needs, especially in critical care and emergency medicine.

Archyde: Aerogen has come a long way since its humble beginnings above a butcher’s shop in Moycullen. What were some of the key challenges you faced in those early days, and how did they shape the company’s trajectory?

John Power: The early days were certainly challenging. We started with limited resources but an abundance of passion and determination. Securing funding, building a skilled workforce, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes were some of the hurdles we faced. But each challenge taught us valuable lessons. For example, we learned the importance of building strong relationships with healthcare providers and governments early on, which has been instrumental in our growth.

One of the defining moments was during the Covid-19 pandemic, when our devices were used to treat ventilated patients across the US. That experience reinforced our mission and highlighted the critical role our technology plays in saving lives.

Archyde: The medtech industry is no stranger to global challenges, including potential tariffs and shifting trade dynamics. How is Aerogen positioned to navigate these uncertainties?

John Power: The medtech sector is inherently resilient because our products are essential to patient care. While tariffs and trade uncertainties can pose challenges, Aerogen’s strong market position, diversified supply chain, and focus on R&D ensure that we’re well-prepared to adapt.

Our partnerships with healthcare providers and governments worldwide provide a stable foundation for growth. As a notable example, the US remains our largest market, and we’ve built deep, meaningful relationships there. Tariffs on medtech products would only increase costs within the US healthcare system, which doesn’t benefit anyone. Our devices deliver life-saving drugs, and their value to patients is undeniable.

Archyde: Aerogen’s innovative drug delivery systems have treated over 25 million patients globally. What does this milestone mean to you personally,and how does it reflect the company’s mission?

John Power: It’s incredibly humbling to know that our devices have touched 25 million lives. Every time I walk into our facilities, I remind our team that each device we make reaches someone in critical need, somewhere in the world.That’s what drives us.

Our mission has always been to improve patient outcomes through innovation. Whether it’s in emergency rooms, intensive care units, or ambulances, our devices are making a difference. The fact that we’ve impacted so many lives is a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust our partners place in us.

Archyde: This expansion has garnered significant support from Enterprise Ireland and the Irish government. How crucial is this partnership to Aerogen’s growth strategy?

John Power: The support from Enterprise Ireland and the Irish government has been invaluable. It aligns perfectly with our vision and the government’s focus on fostering high-growth companies. Minister peter Burke’s recognition of Aerogen’s role in Ireland’s economic progress is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors.

This partnership not only strengthens Aerogen’s position in the global medtech market but also reinforces Ireland’s reputation as a hub for innovation and economic growth. The new jobs we’re creating in R&D, manufacturing, science, and engineering will further solidify Ireland’s standing as a leader in the medtech industry.

Archyde: Looking ahead, what is your vision for Aerogen’s future, and how does this expansion fit into that vision?

john Power: My vision for Aerogen is to be a global leader in medtech innovation, particularly in respiratory care. This expansion is a crucial step toward achieving that vision. We’re investing heavily in R&D to develop next-generation devices that address unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes.

Over the next decade, we plan to grow our workforce to over 2,000 employees, with more than half of these roles based in Ireland. This expansion isn’t just about scaling operations; it’s about making a meaningful impact on global healthcare. Our goal is to continue touching lives and driving innovation that transforms patient care worldwide.

Archyde: what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make an impact in the medtech industry?

John Power: My advice would be to stay focused on your mission and never lose sight of the impact you want to make. The medtech industry is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Surround yourself with a passionate and skilled team, build strong relationships with partners, and be prepared to adapt to challenges.

Most importantly, remember that every product you develop has the potential to save lives. That’s what drives us at Aerogen, and it’s what will keep you motivated through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Archyde: Thank you, John, for sharing your insights and vision. We look forward to seeing Aerogen’s continued success and impact on global healthcare.

John Power: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.

End of Interview

This interview highlights John Power’s journey, Aerogen’s strategic expansion, and the company’s commitment to innovation and patient care. It also underscores the importance of partnerships and resilience in navigating global challenges.