Two Major Shannon Expansions Of International Companies

Micheál Martin, Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has announced expansions by two international companies at Shannon Free Zone that will generate up to 285 new jobs over the next five years. Minister Martin made the announcement from Japan where he is accompanying 30 Irish companies on an Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission.

Supported by Shannon Development, the expansion at Halifax Insurance Ireland Ltd, a subsidiary of HBOS plc, one of the UK's largest banks, will generate up to 185 new jobs, and at SYKES Enterprises Inc, a global leader in customer care management solutions and services, will generate up to 100 new jobs.

Welcoming the new jobs, Minister Martin said: "This is a tremendous boost for the Shannon. Halifax Insurance Ireland is one of the most high profile and significant insurance companies to set up outside Dublin, and I am delighted that their financial performance and job creation targets have exceeded expectations since they commenced business at Shannon in 2001."

Minister Martin continued: “The Sykes Shannon office has a long established track record at the Shannon Free Zone; the business was first established in the area in 1987. Today’s announcement is therefore a great tribute to the Sykes Shannon team’s ability to deliver.”

Commenting on their announcement of up to 185 additional jobs, Mr Jerry White, Managing Director, Halifax Insurance Ireland Ltd, said: "We are very pleased with our first four years of operation, and currently employ 255 staff at Shannon. The support of Shannon Development, the calibre of the people we have recruited, and the favourable business climate in Ireland make Shannon the natural choice for our expansion plans." (CD/SP)