Firms buck trend by announcing 600 potential jobs
Quinn Insurance announced an immediate 100 jobs at a new call centre in Little Island with the potential for a further 400 jobs over the next four years.
It has invested €25 million in the facility which will allow the firm to grow all of its businesses in Ireland and particularly Britain.
Recruitment is under way across many areas including insurance sales and underwriting, claims management and customer service.
Quinn Insurance chief executive Colin Morgan said the firm is optimistic about opportunities for its business to continue to grow.
“Since acquiring the Bupa business last year we have had operations in the Munster area and have been very impressed with the quality of our staff here and decided to increase our presence in the area,” he said.
“As well as providing a platform to grow and manage our insurance business in Munster, we plan to use this new office to accommodate the growth in our general and health insurance business in Ireland and our very successful UK business.”
Hi-tech firm Option Wireless Ltd, meanwhile, announced it will create 145 jobs at its Kilbarry manufacturing and services centre over the next three years.
The expansion, supported by the Government and the IDA, will establish the centre as Option’s main base for global supply chain and fulfilment.
The firm, which has been in Cork for 10 years, employs 300 people. It designs, develops and makes devices that provide high quality wireless internet access.
David Whelan, Option’s vice president of global operations, said the demand for its wireless products has grown significantly in recent years.
“We have also expanded our product portfolio over the last 18 months, and we are now addressing both the consumer and our traditional business market,” he said.
“Option has been in Cork for 10 years and we serve both the North American and European markets and we will continue to drive efficiencies in the business.”
Tánaiste and Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan made the announcements and said the jobs pipeline is looking good.
“The environment is tough and there’s huge competition out there, but there’s still a strong attraction for foreign direct investment in this country,” said the minister.
Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy welcomed both announcements.
“Considering the level of bad news that’s been prevalent over the last few months in a range of sectors and companies, these announcements are a marvellous boost,” said Mr Healy.
“What these show is that local economy is strong and Cork is seen as positive place to make investments.”
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