The west of Ireland got a major employment boost today as the Taoiseach announced more than 230 jobs would be created at two different companies in Galway within five years.
Medical device manufacturer Merit Medical Systems has announced 200 jobs will be created at its new €20 million facility, while Irish internet security software firm Copperfasten Technologies is to create 37 jobs in Galway after it secured a €500,000 investment to expand its business overseas.
Merit, which manufactures and markets proprietary medical devices for cardiology, radiology and endoscopy, will add the jobs over the next five years as part of an IDA Ireland supported investment that will see the expansion of its research and development at the Irish subsidiary.
The company, which has employs 379 people at its Parkmore West facility, will be recruiting for roles in R&D, shared services, operations support and manufacturing, and almost a third will be aimed at third-level graduates. The company set up in Ireland in 1996.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the expansion was a "real vote of confidence" in the company's Irish operation.
"It is also a significant endorsement of Ireland as a location for investment and highlights the importance of economic stability," he said.
Merit chairman and chief executive Fred Lampropoulos said the Galway facility's track record in developing new products over the past 16 years were contributing factors to the decision to invest further.
"In addition, we believe the proven commitment of the Irish management team and workforce will help to ensure that these latest developments will be implemented successfully and result in the facility increasing its already significant role in our global business," he said.
Separately, Copperfasten Technologies said it would create 37 positions at its Salthill facility over the next three years.
The funding, provided by Oyster Technology Investments and Enterprise Ireland, will support an export-led growth plan that is expected to more than treble the firm's sales in the next three years.
Copperfasten Technologies, which currently employs 15 people, has two internet security products aimed at the business to business market, SpamTitan and WebTitan.
Chief executive Ronan Kavanagh said the deal would help Copperfasten increase the reach of the company's products internationally.
"We have seen fantastic adoption of our products and it is great to now be in a position to build on this. This investment and the new positions will allow us to drive sales and scale the company in the forthcoming years," he said.
Mr Kenny said the expansion was "great news" for both Galway and the software industry here.
"This is a prime example of an Irish firm, investing in R&D to develop world-class products for export and growth at home and abroad," he said.
