MORE than 150 jobs will be created as part of three IDA backed investments totalling almost £8 million. The projects, ranging from computer to automotive products will be created in Limerick and Wexford.
Bay Networks Inc will create 75 jobs in Limerick. One of the world's leading firms in the computer networking sector, it is investing £6 million with IDA support to set up a European facility.
Announcing the projects yesterday, Enterprise and Employment Minister, Mr Bruton, said Bay Networks products are an integral part of computer networking systems.
"It is one of the leading growth areas in the electronics industry and Bay Networks is a European market leader in the stackable hubs segment and third largest supplier in both the routers and switching technology segments, he said.
The Minister said the company's estimated expenditure on components and services of more than £30 million at full production will offer major opportunities for sub suppliers of items such as sub assemblies and printed circuit board assemblies.
He said Bay Networks had chosen Limerick because of the proximity of the university and international airport and the availability of a suitable temporary building. Based in Santa Clara, California, its products are sold in Europe through resellers and distributors.
Theo Benning GmbH in Wexford is investing £1 million, with IDA support, to expand its operation and manufacture new products. The new products will include power supplies for the automotive industry. These products are currently being developed at the company's design centre in Bocholt, Germany.
The plant already employs 105 people and it will crate 50 new jobs. Forty will be recruited within three years. The plant, which was established in Wexford in 1981, makes all voltage testers for the Benning Group which has 50 per cent of that market in Germany as well as a range of other products.
These products are supplied to the telecommunications, computer, automotive and general industrial sectors.
The third project, is an engineering facility which the Serco Holland Group, of the Netherlands is setting up at Ardcavan near Wexford town. The IDA supported investment, in the region of £500,000 will create 26 new jobs. The facility has already commenced operations. It will make Serco's machinery - pre feeders and palletisers - which are used in the corrugated paper industry.
