The Cathaoirleach of Limerick City and County Council has today (Wednesday, 01 October 2014) welcomed the announcement by Canadian firm Optel Vision of its decision to establish a Manufacturing and Operations Centre at the former ON Semiconductor facility at Raheen Business Park in Limerick.
Councillor Kevin Sheahan said the company's move will "inject further confidence" in the local manufacturing sector and will bring back into use an important industrial facility in the heart of Raheen Business Park.
"The creation of 140 jobs will bring a significant boost to the local economy but more importantly, Optel Vision's decision to choose Limerick as the location of its first operation and engineering service outside of North America will send out a strong message to other companies that this part of Ireland is an attractive investment location," stated Councillor Sheahan.
"We have come a long way from a situation five years ago when successive negative manufacturing jobs announcements raised fears of a haemorrhaging of the sector in the Mid West. However, successive positive jobs announcements by a number of companies, including Optel Vision, have served as a shot in the arm to the sector in Limerick and surrounding areas."
"A number of key factors such as the existence of a pool of highly qualified and competent Third Level graduates, the quality connectivity to international markets offered by Shannon Airport and a positive operating environment in Limerick have combined to encourage companies to relocate here or expand their existing operations," the Cathaoirleach added.
Pat Daly, Director of Economic Development & Planning, Limerick City & County Council added: "The manufacturing sector in Limerick and the wider Mid West Region continues to perform excellently despite growth throughout the remainder of the Eurozone slowing somewhat. The primary reason behind this is the positive operating environment that exists in Limerick and the fact that this is being recognised by indigenous companies and by multinationals seeking fresh investment opportunities."
"The Council, particularly through the Limerick Marketing Company, is playing a pivotal role in ensuring Limerick's re-emergence as a leading location for investment. For example, Limerick has been identified as one of the top investment locations in Europe in the most recent Global Best to Invest Report. Today's Optel Vision announcement will only help to reinforce this growing reputation," concluded Mr. Daly.
Councillor Kevin Sheahan said the company's move will "inject further confidence" in the local manufacturing sector and will bring back into use an important industrial facility in the heart of Raheen Business Park.
"The creation of 140 jobs will bring a significant boost to the local economy but more importantly, Optel Vision's decision to choose Limerick as the location of its first operation and engineering service outside of North America will send out a strong message to other companies that this part of Ireland is an attractive investment location," stated Councillor Sheahan.
"We have come a long way from a situation five years ago when successive negative manufacturing jobs announcements raised fears of a haemorrhaging of the sector in the Mid West. However, successive positive jobs announcements by a number of companies, including Optel Vision, have served as a shot in the arm to the sector in Limerick and surrounding areas."
"A number of key factors such as the existence of a pool of highly qualified and competent Third Level graduates, the quality connectivity to international markets offered by Shannon Airport and a positive operating environment in Limerick have combined to encourage companies to relocate here or expand their existing operations," the Cathaoirleach added.
Pat Daly, Director of Economic Development & Planning, Limerick City & County Council added: "The manufacturing sector in Limerick and the wider Mid West Region continues to perform excellently despite growth throughout the remainder of the Eurozone slowing somewhat. The primary reason behind this is the positive operating environment that exists in Limerick and the fact that this is being recognised by indigenous companies and by multinationals seeking fresh investment opportunities."
"The Council, particularly through the Limerick Marketing Company, is playing a pivotal role in ensuring Limerick's re-emergence as a leading location for investment. For example, Limerick has been identified as one of the top investment locations in Europe in the most recent Global Best to Invest Report. Today's Optel Vision announcement will only help to reinforce this growing reputation," concluded Mr. Daly.
