MORE than 180 new jobs have been promised in the Cork area in two separate investments, along with 50 temporary jobs in the Apple Computer plant.

The Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Mr Bruton said yesterday a £6 million joint venture between an American corporation and a Belgian firm would create 127 new jobs in Cobh.

Mr Bruton also announced that the Cork based golf wear manufacturer, Eurostyle, would increase its workforce by 57 over the next two years, bringing the total number of people employed to 120.

The joint venture company, between US firm Archer Daniels and the Belgian company, Amylum NV. will be known as ADMAmylum Fabrication Services Ltd. It will manufacture cereal and seed processing equipment in the former Verolme Dockyard in Cobh.

The new facility will supply existing ADM and Amylum plants in eastern and western Europe.

Mr Bruton said Eurostyle, which was preparing to move into new premises in the city, had recently secured an exclusive licence to manufacture a range of golf wear under the brand name of Laura Davies - one of the leading female golfers in the world.

In a third jobs boost for Cork Mr Bruton said management at the Apple Computer plant in Cork had told him the company would shortly begin recruiting some 50 temporary workers to help meet customer delivery schedules. The company has been forced to lay off over 200 temporary workers since before last Christmas.

Mr Bruton said the industry was going through "a difficult time", but Apple, with a workforce of 1,200 people, was still a major force in the local and national economy The Government, he added, had pledged Apple would receive every support to ensure its continued operation in Cork.