Company Overview When Allergan decided to expand internationally in the 1970s the UK and Ireland became a new major focus. As in the US, the company started in a small way - distributing contact lens care products through a Hertfordshire based distribution company. The products were very well received and quickly became established leading to Allergan setting up its own premises in Bourne End in Buckinghamshire in 1977, staffed by a team of five. The same year a new purpose built manufacturing factory with a staff of 70 was opened in Ireland to manufacture ophthalmic products for the UK. Initially the factory produced contact lens care products, but further lines were soon added. As the business grew, the High Wycombe office increased to a staff of 125, housing the European Research and Development and the UK sales functions. In support of its marketed products and research programmes, Allergan has also established a European centralised customer service function in Dublin, Ireland. This allows fast, efficient communications across national borders and will enable Allergan to continue to provide excellent levels of service to its customers. | 
