Up to 40 new jobs are to be created in the north east after a Chinese manufacturing company today announced it was locating its European base in Dundalk.
SATIR is one of the world's top providers of infrared technology and its move to Ireland marks the country's first major investment by a Chinese company.
Over five years 40 skilled jobs will be created and Minister for Enterprise Mary Coughlan said the move was a breakthrough for the Industrial Development Agency.
SATIR, set up in 1989, is China's leading thermal imaging system manufacturer. The company develops and produces thermal imaging cameras for use in industry and emergency work, such as firefighting.
The Dundalk operation - SAT Europe - will act as a logistics hub for the Europe, Middle East and African (EMEA) markets, and will manage marketing, finance and after sales service.
SATIR board chairman Jiping Wu said Dundalk was chosen because it best suited the company's needs.
"SAT Europe will take control of the existing distribution channels that SATIR has already established in Europe."