2 companies to expand operations in Puerto Rico

US eye care company, Irish drug and medical device maker to expand operations in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- One of the largest eye care companies in the U.S. is expanding its operations in Puerto Rico.

Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla says CooperVision will invest $250 million to build 15 new production lines, a project that will create some 350 new jobs. The company currently employs 1,600 workers at a plant in the southern town of Juana Diaz.

Garcia also said Wednesday that Irish drug and medical device maker Covidien PLC is investing $3 million to expand production at its plant in the southern coastal city of Ponce. The investment is expected to create 200 new jobs.