A Galway-based trailblazer in the development and manufacturing of minimally invasive medical devices unveiled its new state-of-the-art facility in Claregalway Corporate Park – with the help of a Minister on the doorstep.

The event at Salt Medical was officiated by Minister Noel Grealish and attended by distinguished guests including Údarás na Gaeltachta, IDA Ireland, iForm UCD, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, MET Technology Gateway and ATU iHub.

This significant milestone not only marks a new chapter for Salt Medical but also highlights the growing importance of Claregalway and the wider Galway region in the global MedTech landscape.

“This is my first official opening ceremony as a minister – and it is fitting that it is in my own parish and locality,” said Minister Grealish.

“The financial investment and commitment that Salt Medical has shown towards the Claregalway facility is a real vote of confidence—it shows the intent that Salt has in making a significant impact here and sees the potential for growth well into the future, and I welcome that.”

At the heart of the new facility is one of Ireland’s most advanced cleanrooms. Featuring state-of-the-art air filtration, environmental monitoring, and precision-controlled design.

The ISO class 8 cleanroom provides the ideal conditions for manufacturing highprecision medical devices, ensuring safety, quality, and innovation at every stage of production.

This cleanroom forms a critical part of Salt Medical’s broader vision: to build a vertically integrated manufacturing ecosystem, where product design, prototyping, and production occur under one roof, providing superior oversight and control.

In his remarks, Minister Grealish acknowledged the broader impact on the region.

“From the perspective of the local economy, it is fantastic to see continued inward investment in this county, and that investment is spreading out to satellite towns around Galway City,” he said.

He also highlighted the collaboration that made this possible.

“The support and help that Salt Medical has received from Údarás na Gaeltachta given that the company is located in the Gaeltacht region of Baile Chláir, is something I absolutely welcome.”

The facility is already making strides in engaging with the community, which also pleased the Minister.

“Recently you welcomed TY students from the local school, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir— maybe their glimpse into the fantastic world of medical technology will inspire some of them to be leaders in this area themselves in the not-too-distant future,” he said.

Alongside the opening, Salt Medical has also launched its new website, www.saltmedtec.com, offering insights into its capabilities, values, and vision for the future of medical device innovation.

Salt Medical Managing Director Dr. Yuqi Shaughnessy reflected on the significance of the occasion, describing it as a milestone, not just for the company, but also for the Irish Medtech industry.

“Salt Medical is proud to be the first medical device CDMO funded by a Chinese VC, with operations launched in five global locations in 2023. We are excited to establish our European centre of operations here in Claregalway and look forward to contributing to the region’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.”

Pictured:  Minister Noel Grealish cuts the ribbon to open the new Salt Medical facility in Claregalway, joined by (from left) Dr Alex Zhang, Global CEO, Salt Medical;  Xi Zhao, Programme Manager, Salt Medical; Jiabao Wang, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Ireland; Noel Morgan, Senior Product Engineer, Salt Medical Ireland;  Dr Yuqi Shaughnessy, MD, Salt Medical Ireland, and members of the Salt Medical executive team Design Engineer Diarmuid Quaid; Marketing Manager Karen Flanagan; VP of Technical Development Brendan Cunniffe, and Technical Manager Faraz Ul Hassan.