50 jobs to be created as outsourcing company invests in €1.5m expansion

A LEADING Irish outsourcing company will create 50 jobs in Cork this year as part of a €1.5 million investment.

Abtran specialises in business process outsourcing services and the company already employs over 250 people at the University Technology Centre in Bishopstown, Cork.

The firm says this investment will also lay the foundation for further significant employment expansion in the coming three years.

The new jobs will require graduates in research and development, business analysis and software development. Recruitment will take place over the next 12 months.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin said: "The overall high quality of operation which has been achieved by Abtran is second to none worldwide.

"The expansion of this highly successful Irish firm is a logical step based on strategic market research and the exceptional work which has been carried out to date by management and staff. It is deeply encouraging to see an indigenous enterprise grow in this manner."

Abtran managing director Michael Fitzgerald said: "The expansion which we are investing in will allow our company to capitalise on opportunities in the growing market for business process outsourcing throughout the world.

"As an innovative and competitive firm, we see further business expansion taking place among clients in Ireland, Europe and the United States. Our growth plans for the future will be underpinned by continued investment in sophisticated technology and processes and highly skilled personnel."

Enterprise Ireland chief executive Frank Ryan said: "Growing the number of indigenous firms like Abtran in the high-value internationally traded services sector is a major focus of Enterprise Ireland's 2005-2007 strategy Transforming Irish Industry.

"Enterprise Ireland is working with Abtran to explore international market opportunities and has to date provided the company with funding for research and development through our research technology and innovation fund. This funding has facilitated the growth of the company's R&D department and its positioning as a strategic part of the business."

Abtran's clients include Cork County Council, An Post, the National Consumer Agency, the Financial Regulator, international governments and BT.