UP to loo new jobs are set to be created in Co Leitrim by overseas companies, the Minister for Enterprise and Employment Mr Bruton has announced.

A German kitchen company Westmark will be creating 88 new jobs over the next four years. The manufacturing facility in Carrick on Shannon will involve a £3 million investment. A £1.25 million investment by the US group Lilly Industries will create 12 new jobs in Ballinamore in an industrial coatings facility.

Westmark will be manufacturing from an IDA advance factory. It was acquired with ESB funds, as part of the board's programme to assist in finding alternative employment following its closure of the Arigna power station and coat mines.

Westmark is the German market leader for egg slicers, garnishing tools, garlic presses and spatulas. It has annual sales of over £4 million and employs 55 people in Herscheid Germany.

Lilly is a major supplier of building products coatings to Masonite in the US. The opening of the Irish operation follows the opening of Masonite's new operation in Co Leitrim. It will supply white primer and clear coat products.

Mr Bruton said Lilly will expand its customer base to other building products suppliers in Ireland and to the furniture industry throughout Europe.