Swiss food and drink company Nestle has inaugurated its first 27 million euros ($30.6 million) Irish research and development (R&D) center in Askeaton, west Limerick.
The center, which hires 40 people, will focus on scientific research to support the advancement of milk-based maternal and infant nutrition products for the international market and products for mothers and infants.
The new R&D center includes modern laboratory facilities, a manufacturing line to facilitate development. The plant will also test new products from initial concept through to product distribution.
Nestlé said that with the center, the company will boost the pace of its innovation capacity by enabling its scientists to explore innovative nutritional solutions for the crucial first 1,000 days of life.