Three companies announce 85 new positions

There was good news on the jobs front yesterday with the announcement of 85 positions across three companies, including 25 jobs at the Jelly Bean Factory, which were announced by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

A state-of-the-art production line at the Dublin-based factory will not only create 25 new jobs but will also almost double the company’s manufacturing area from 55,000sq ft to over 90,000sq ft.

Boots Ireland also announced 30 jobs at its new 1,100 sq ft flagship store in the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, which will be officially opened next Wednesday.

Another 30 jobs will be created thanks to the opening of a new Dealz store in Stillorgan. It is the 17th store to be opened in Ireland by the discount retailer and Chris Gascoyne, who plays Peter Barlow in Coronation St, cut the ribbon.

As the Taoiseach sampled a new range of gourmet Belgian chocolate coated jelly beans at the Jelly Bean Factory, he said such ventures aimed at the export market were helping to boost the Irish economy.

“The Jelly Bean Factory is one of Ireland’s success stories, exporting 97% of its product to more than 55 countries worldwide and contributing to Ireland’s growing global reputation as a provider of high quality food and drink products,” he said.

Aran Candy Ltd, trading as The Jelly Bean Factory has an annual turnover of €11m and supplies large retail chains such as Tesco, Carrefour and Wal-Mart.

Founded in 1988 its products are GMO free, gluten free, fat free, Kosher and Halal compliant.

Peter Cullen, joint MD, The Jelly Bean Factory, said the latest expansion would bring the number of staff to 80, ahead of further growth in the company’s trade in the coming years.

“We expect a 50% growth in export sales in the next two years and an investment programme of €1m is planned as we grow our markets across Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East,” he said.

The new Boots Ireland store in Blanchardstown — the largest to be opened in Ireland and Britain this year — will create 30 new full-time and part-time jobs, bringing the total number of staff employed at Boots Blanchardstown to 100.

Meanwhile, staff numbers within the Dealz chain will now rise to more than 490.