B International, which trades as Oasis at Ballina, Co Mayo, is to create 100 new jobs in a £3.86 million expansion. The company, which manufactures water coolers, is to more than double the size of its European manufacturing base in response to strong demand for its products.

The expansion was announced by the Tanaiste Ms Harney yesterday. She welcomed the investment as "great news" for the region.

"It is great to see an established company like Oasis creating this growth for themselves. The facility is performing exceptionally well and the management and workforce are to be congratulated for the high level of autonomy it has achieved, especially in developing its own in-house functions."

Recruitment for the new positions will begin immediately with the company seeking to employ workers with Leaving Certificate, Regional Technical College and other graduate qualifications. Oasis is part of the Ohio-based Oasis Corporation. It currently employs 80 permanent and 25 full-time temporary staff.

It was established in Ballina in 1993 to manufacture water coolers for the European and Middle Eastern market. Some 90 per cent of its production is exported to these markets. It began producing dehumidifiers in 1994 and last year reported sales of £20 million. The Oasis Corporation is a privately-owned company established in 1910 by the Benua family. It has other production facilities in Ohio and California.