IT firm Ward Solutions is to invest a further €3 million in its Dublin operation, creating 20 new jobs.

The firm, which provides information security hardware and software to businesses, said it planned to double the size of its security facility at Dublin’s Citywest which would increase its workforce by 50 per cent.

Chief executive Pat Larkin said the company’s Irish operations have continued to grow since it was established in 1999.

“In the past two years we have achieved 20 per cent annual growth, secured the employment of 20 new employees and acquired over 120 new customers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Envelope Supply Company is to establish a manufacturing facility in Kilkenny, creating 32 jobs.

The new plant, which will be up and running by 2014, will supply stationery products to the company's customer base across Europe.

The new positions will range from operative level employees to management and supervisory positions.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said: “A key part of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is ensuring that we deepen and develop the impact of multinational investment here.

“We have a base of multinational companies here that is the envy of the world, but if we are to create the numbers of jobs we need we must build on this and attract a new cohort of companies which we haven’t reached before.

“Today’s announcement that this multinational company is establishing a manufacturing facility in a regional location with the creation of 32 jobs is very welcome news.”

The Envelope Supply Company was established in the UK in 2008 and is jointly owned by German, Austrian, Belgian and UK shareholders.

The company’s managing director Sue Hale said: “In order to continue the strong development of our company, it was important to increase our capacity and range of product but, in doing so, it was equally important to secure a committed, enthusiastic and knowledgeable team around us.

“We have only a positive experience of Ireland as a base for manufacturing and the response from the local people and the support from the IDA has made our decision to base our production facility in Kilkenny an easy choice,” she added.