Internet retailer Amazon.com will create 450 jobs at its new customer service centre in Cork.
The centre will support Amazon's British and French web sites as well as supporting for the company's German web site during peak periods. Amazon is one of the largest online retailers in the world, with revenues of more than $8.4 billion in 2005.
"Amazon's decision to locate their new call centre in Cork is significant in terms of the number of positions created and will enhance Ireland's reputation as a base for the most sophisticated global digital media companies," said the Minister for Enterprise Michael Martin.
The centre will be located at the Airport Business Park in Cork.
"Cork offers Amazon the ability to provide our customers with multi-lingual support, something that is critically important as we continue to grow our business," said Jim Adkins, director of European customer service for Amazon.com.