Consumer electronics company Samsung has said it will make a major investment in the Irish market and that its mobile phone division has set a target of becoming number two in the market with sales of 400,000-500,000 units.

However, executives would not disclose the exact value of the investment in the Irish market, citing competitive issues.

Mark Mitchinson, a director of Samsung Electronics UK, said he would be looking to at least treble mobile phone sales next year and would aim to exploit "non-mainstream channels" to increase sales.

He said Samsung would sell 100,000 phones this year, primarily through Vodafone, O2 and Meteor outlets.

"Nokia's market share in Ireland is disproportionate to the rest of the world," said Mr Mitchinson.

"We plan to give them a few sleepless nights".

The Korean-headquartered company has firmly established itself as one of the world's leading electronics companies in recent years.

Since establishing a direct presence in Ireland in 2005, it claims to have increased sales by 100 per cent, although the Irish subsidiary has yet to lodge accounts with the Companies Registration Office.

Kevin Maguire, Samsung's country manager for consumer electronics, said that unit doubled sales this year and planned to do the same again in 2008.

IT products, including notebook computers and printers, also performed strongly with growth of 350 per cent.

Last year Samsung in Ireland and globally invested heavily in a number of sports and music sponsorships to strengthen its brand.

Irish and Munster rugby player Ronan O'Gara featured in an advertising campaign to tie in with the recent World Cup.