Manufacturing firms create 75 jobs

TWO companies are to create 75 jobs in Ireland as they make plans for expansion.

Kildare-based wind and solar energy firm Natural Power Company is creating 50 jobs over the next three years with the establishment of its new manufacturing operation for wind turbines.

Monaghan firm Combilift is to create 25 jobs over the coming year to service significant growth in demand for its products worldwide, particularly in Germany.

Natural Power Company said up to 250 jobs could be secured at local suppliers in the area too as part of the expansion.

Managing director of the company Ross Murphy said: “The impact of the new facility will be felt not only in our exports but also in the ongoing development of capacity and technical expertise in Ireland.”

Combilift, the specialist forklift manufacturer, made the announcement in Dusseldorf during the St Patrick’s Day visit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton. The move would take the global workforce of the Monaghan firm to 200 worldwide. Managing director of Combilift Martin McVicar said: “The potential for sales in Germany continues to rise.