Four companies announce 120 jobs

Four companies yesterday confirmed the creation of a total of 120 jobs in the retail, technology, and drinks industries.

Two technology companies, SWG and MDS Global Technologies, will each create 25 jobs in Meath over the next two years in the Kells Enterprise and Technology Centre.

Both companies are part of SmartStart, an accelerator programme for high-potential technology companies.

SWG, a Philadelphia-based company, works with customers to grow their telecommunications networks and “repurpose, reuse, and recycle” their existing telecommunications equipment. The SmartStart programme provided SWG with a landing pad here, as well as giving it access to established agency relationships within Ireland.

The US-based MDS Global Technologies transports IP data using existing infrastructure and networks at a significantly higher rate than other providers. It will locate all global sales and technical support functions in the Meath centre. SmartStart mentored MDS for more than two years in business development, corporate structure, and seed funding.

The jobs will be created across a number of areas, including engineering, research and design, sales and support, marketing, and administration.

SmartStart chief executive and founder Gerry Moan said: “This announcement marks the third anniversary of SmartStart and we are delighted to facilitate the growth of these companies, and help bring them to Ireland. The SmartStart programme is an all-island accelerator programme as we believe Ireland as a location, and not just Dublin, is ideal for high potential international technology companies and start-ups.”

Meanwhile, the Dublin Whiskey Company has announced plans for a new whiskey distillery and visitor centre in the capital as part of a €10m investment at its 300 year-old site in Mill St.

It said more than 60 people will be employed during the construction phase, beginning in early 2015, with 30 permanent jobs coming on-stream upon completion at the latter end of the year.

At that point, it said, it will create a range of single malt and Irish pot still whiskeys with the capacity to produce up to 2m bottles annually for both the domestic and export market.

Meanwhile, Aldi opened two stores yesterday, in Ballybofey, Co Donegal, and Macroom, Co Cork, creating 40 jobs. The company now accounts for more than 8% of the country’s grocery market.