March 2, 2026: In a strategic move to support global demand for oral GLP-1 therapies, Novo Nordisk has revealed plans to invest 432 million euro (approximately DKK 3.2 billion) in expanding its manufacturing operations in Athlone, Ireland.
The investment will significantly increase capacity at Novo Nordisk’s tablet production facility located in Monksland, Athlone, with upgrades aimed at broadening the company’s ability to produce current and future oral GLP-1 medicines. These medicines, used for treating conditions such as diabetes and obesity, have seen rising global demand.
The Athlone site expansion marks a major milestone in Novo Nordisk’s long-term manufacturing strategy. According to company executives, this enhancement will not only increase production volume but also improve the facility’s technical capabilities to manufacture complex oral products.
The upgraded facility will serve as a key supply hub for markets outside the United States, enabling enhanced distribution efficiency across Europe, Asia and other regions. Construction is already underway and is expected to be completed in phases, with full operations scaling up through late 2027 into 2028.
The expansion project at the Athlone campus will support local employment both during construction and in ongoing operations. The initiative is anticipated to create up to 500 new construction jobs, while the plant’s existing workforce of around 260 employees will focus on the production of high-quality oral treatments.
Novo Nordisk leadership has emphasized the importance of Ireland as a strategic manufacturing location, praising the workforce and long-standing commitment to innovation at the Athlone site.
“This expansion further strengthens our ability to meet growing global demand for oral medicines,” said Kasper Bødker Mejlvang, Executive Vice President for Product Supply at Novo Nordisk. He highlighted Ireland’s role as a cornerstone of the company’s global manufacturing network and reiterated Novo Nordisk’s focus on delivering innovative treatments to millions of patients worldwide.
Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company known for its leadership in diabetes care and chronic disease treatment. The company employs roughly 68,800 people in around 80 countries and markets its products in approximately 170 nations.
