Joint operation to boost Shannon jobs

A SMALL Co Clare manufacturing firm and a multi- billion dollar US mobile electronics and accessories company have joined forces to establish a facility in Shannon which will see up to 300 staff employed by 2014.

Details of the venture emerged this week, however, neither company will comment on the development, although it is known that the lead partner has already moved into a 30,000 sq ft facility in the Shannon Industrial Estate.

US-based ZAGG, which has become a leading producer of accessories, including Apple, has already produced its first order from its new Shannon base.

The company, based in the former Tyco Electronics facility in Shannon, will cater for the European, Asia and African arm of its international operation.

It is understood that the existing Shannon firm, which employs between 30 and 40, will continue to operate its current business in its existing premises while the additional jobs will be based in the former Tyco plant.

ZAGG, based in Salt Lake City in Utah, is expected to employ just 20 staff in Shannon while the other company will create an estimated 280 jobs over the next 3 years. Both companies will work together in the same facility.

Mayor of Shannon, Tony Mulcahy, said: “There is no doubt about it but this is the real deal and it is going ahead. I know that both ZAGG and the existing Shannon company will issue a statement in April, but they have already moved into the former Tyco factory and this is the reality.

“This is a huge boost for Shannon and Co Clare and we welcome it very much. We’ve had enough bad news in the region in recent years but this is good news.

“I have spoken to the promoters of the project myself and they will issue a statement in April. They are moving along with the project and there are technical matters to be sorted, but there is firm commitment to set that project up in Shannon. We are looking at 140 jobs by the end of 2012 and that will increase to 300 by the end of 2014,” Mr Mulcahy confirmed.

ZAGG this week reported revenue for the fourth quarter of 2010 was $29.3 million (€20.6m), an increase of 157% from the same period in 2009.

The company produces over 8,000 products including films, skins, audio and power solutions for mobile devices.