DexCom, the real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) for people with diabetes, has officially broken ground on its manufacturing facility, located in Athenry, Co Galway. This marks the second step in the realisation of this facility, which will bring more than 1,000 jobs to the area and represents one of the biggest single private sector investments ever in the west of Ireland. 

Dexcom is also further demonstrating its long-term commitment to the province announcing a 12-year naming-rights partnership with Connacht Rugby. From today, ‘The Sportsground’ will be known as ‘Dexcom Stadium’, which has been the home of Connacht Rugby since 1927. 

Enterprise minister Simon Coveney said: “This investment from Dexcom is not only a huge vote of confidence in Athenry but in Ireland as a whole. We are turning the sod on Dexcom’s first production plant in Europe and taking the next important step in bringing 1,000 jobs to Athenry over the next five years.”

'Game changer for the west' 

“The creation of the Dexcom manufacturing facility will undoubtedly be a game changer for the west of Ireland,” said Barry Regan, executive vice president of operations at Dexcom. 

“This is a pivotal moment for Dexcom and we are confident it will have an immensely positive impact in Galway and the wider region too, not only in relation to job creation but also as we become part of and contribute to this community. We’re already proud to be partnering with Connacht Rugby, and this is only the beginning.”     

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: “The sod turning event is an important moment in this facility – first announced last year – becoming a reality. This important strategic investment by Dexcom, which is the first of its kind outside of the US, will have far reaching economic and social benefits for Athenry, the West and indeed all of Ireland. I wish continued success to Dexcom and assure the team of IDA Ireland’s continued support.”  

The 1,000 available jobs include support in finance, HR, as well as a variety of engineering roles, ranging from leadership to graduate positions. Dexcom intends to build strong links with the local universities in Galway and nearby counties, particularly around engineering and quality assurance courses. In an additional boost to the local economy, it is expected that for every job created by Dexcom a further 1-1.7 jobs will be created indirectly.

First manufacturing facility for EMEA

"We are really proud that Ireland has been chosen as Dexcom’s first manufacturing facility for EMEA”, said Caroline Chivers, interim country director UK and Ireland. “The location not only provides us with a great pool of talent from the west of Ireland but also demonstrates Dexcom’s commitment to growth in the region. We look forward to building our team over the coming years.” 

Dexcom’s first manufacturing facility in Europe will ensure the flow of products throughout EMEA, with the potential to lower the cost of goods and improve sustainability by decreasing delivery time in transit. The new facility will have the capacity to produce millions of Dexcom rtCGM sensors each year, helping to improve the lives of people with diabetes in EMEA.  

“This facility is strategically located in Europe, for Europe,” said Alex Moussa, SVP and general manager EMEA at Dexcom. “This development demonstrates our commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence in EMEA, as well as to the people we serve. This is the only beginning; we’re truly excited for what’s to come.”

For information about Dexcom job openings in Athenry go to: careers.dexcom.com/careers.

To learn more about Dexcom or to get started with Dexcom CGM today, visit Dexcom.com. 

The project is supported by the government through IDA Ireland.