A total of 24 new jobs will be created in Cork following the decision by McKessonHBOC to invest £1.1 million (#1.4 million) in a new software duplication centre.

McKessonHBOC is one of the world's largest supply management and healthcare technology companies and supplies software packages to hospitals, pharmacies, physicians, healthcare insurers, and pharmaceutical, medical and surgical manufacturers.

It is expanding its software services business in Europe and is establishing the new IDA Ireland-backed centre in Cork to service its US and European customers. All duplication and distribution services for the IT business division of McKessonHBOC will be centralised in Cork Airport Business Park.

McKessonHBOC reported turnover of $28 billion (#30 billion) in 2000. It has a global workforce of 24,500, with more than 700 people based in Europe.