This article is from page 4 of the 2006-03-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE mid-west received a double jobs boost this week with the news that 140 new jobs were set to be created in the region.
Partners in Europe (PIE), a Shannon-based company that fulfils online trading orders for customers, has signed a five-year contract with Discovery Channel Europe that will see the creation of 20 new jobs at its facility in Shannon.
This followed the announcement by Limerick-based firm Vistakon that 140 jobs would be created in the city over the next 12 years.
The deal will see Discovery Channel Europe handle all of PIE’s e-commerce business activity and is estimated to be worth around €8 million to Discovery Channel Europe, with the Irish firm due to receive a small percentage of that.
PIE hopes to benefit from the its association with the Discovery media giant who broadcast to about €28 million people across Europe and the Middle East. The company is currently planning on expanding its online range from 600-1000 products by the end of September. The company was set up in 1993 and currently employs 56 staff and enjoys revenues of €5 million.
Last Thursday, Vistakon announced that it was set to significantly expand operations at its facility in the National Technology Park. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Vistakon, who design, manufacture and market soft disposable contact lenses, will invest over €100 million in their Limerick facility. The investment will result in 120 new jobs being created over the next 12 years.
“Since its arrival in 1995, Vistakon has provided high calibre employment and has made a meaningful contribution to the local economy. The news that it is to invest in new product development is a vote of confidence in the capability of its staff and in the environment in which it operates,” said Kevin Thompstone, Chief Executive, Shannon Development.
“As developers and managers of the National Technology Park, Limerick, Shannon Development continuously works to position the park as an attractor for knowledge-based enterprise activity. Ninety-five companies, a mix of foreign direct investment, indigenous companies, support services and training entities, now operate from the park, providing employment for over 4,000 people. This additional investment by Vistakon is great news for the area,” added Mr. Thompstone.