American Medical Technology Manufacturer to Open New Plant in the Republic.

About 250 jobs are to be created after an American firm announced plans to set up new operations in the Irish Republic.

Medical technology company Kinetic Concepts will open a manufacturing plant in Garrycastle, Athlone in the next few months taking on 250 staff over the next five years.

The new plant will make therapy and sterile units including special beds, mattresses and covers.

The company is considered a world leader in advanced wound-care and therapeutic surfaces, designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a wide range of products to improve care and reduce patient care costs.