Job numbers at a Galway-based electronics manufacturing firm Celestica have increased dramatically after the firm secured a significant new customer, according to accounts filed recently.

The number employed by Celestica Ireland Ltd rose by almost 140 to 400 in 2011, with revenues increasing by 68 per cent to €43.8 million.

However, the figures show that in spite of the increase in revenues and headcount, the Canadian-owned firm recorded a 47 per cent slide in pretax profits, to €1.49 million.

According to the directors’ report, the increase in revenue “was due to an increase in business with the company’s existing customer and the addition of a significant new customer during the second half of the year”.

The directors state that “margins remain tight due to the pricing agreement with its key customer”.

The firm specialises in high-volume manufacturing and assembly on high-precision automated lines.