Aruba brings more good news for Mahon hi-tech hub

WHAT do Quest Software, McAfee, Solar Winds and Big Fish Games have in common?

Aside from being major US multi-national global players, they’ve all chosen Cork as their European, Middle East and African Headquarters. And they’ve all located at the new City Gate complex in Mahon — now being dubbed the new hi-tech business district of the region.

This week there was more good news. US Network Solutions Provider, Aruba Networks, has chosen City Gate as its new international headquarters and services centre for all regions outside of the US. The move will see another 40 jobs created in the Mahon IT hub over the next four years. It’s being seen by some as another vote of confidence in Cork and a commitment from one of the world’s fastest growing technology companies who will provide long term sustainable employment.

Quest Software, who set up in 2011, will expand into its new City Gate Park offices once it is completed in October 2012. There are currently over 150 construction workers working on the project, which is one of the largest construction sites in Ireland. The sod was officially turned on the site by Taoiseach Enda Kenny in June.

City Gate’s John Cleary said the move was proof that US multi-nationals will commit to the region once the right facilities are delivered. “City Gate opened as the recession hit, yet we have gone from a standing start to having more than 1,200 people working here. That’s 1,200 jobs created in a time of unprecedented economic difficulty,” he said.

Aruba’s Controller of International Operations agrees: “City Gate provides us with the space and environment we require now and gives us the freedom to increase operations and employment as we grow,” said Emmet Russell.

“That, coupled with the technology hub and knowledge based companies here in Mahon and throughout the region, the talented workforce available in Cork and the highly-efficient corporate tax structure, made this the ideal location for our international operations.”

It’s a positive trend John Cleary sees continuing: “We are now actively engaged in negotiations with other US multi-nationals who see the benefits of our technology hub and the type of facilities we are creating. The new City Gate Park is already 40% occupied before it is completed and we expect further announcements in the coming months.”

City Gate Park has the capacity to employ over 2,000 people when complete in addition to phase one of City Gate which is over 90% occupied.

“I would like to thank the IDA and Cork City Council whose pro active support has been critical to City Gate’s success to date. Once again Aruba’s decision proves that particularly in these difficult economic times this support can translate into employment within a short time frame, ” said Mr Cleary.

Aruba’s new offices will have responsibility for shared services, supply chain management, inside sales and customer support.