PPD laboratory in Ireland to be almost doubled in size 30 Apr 2021, 21:24 GMT+10 WILM INGTON, North Carolina - PPD, Inc. a-Nasdaq-listed multinational contract research organization, is expanding its Athlone, Ireland, GMP (good manufacturing practices) laboratory, almost doubling the size of its existing facility. The move will add cell and gene therapy testing to the operation's portfolio of services and result in the recruitment of 180 highly skilled scientists. The expansion, the company says, will enhance its ability to deliver global scientific and technical expertise to meet growing customer demand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. By offering these services at its Athlone operation, PPD says it will be able to provide clients in these locations with the same services already available in the U.S. through its Middleton, Wisconsin, GMP lab.