Irish-owned automotive firm to create 20 jobs

A newly-founded Irish-owned automotive company will begin production in East Cork in the New Year.

Privately-owned GAC hopes to create 20 jobs at the outset and it’s hoped this figure will rise to 60 by the end of 2015.

The plant will be based on an industrial estate at Foxhole, Youghal.

The factory will produce interior seating components for the European export market, as well as establishing a European Research & Development centre on site.

The company will employ a mixture of semi-skilled general assembly operators, qualified engineers and management professionals.

Recruitment is under way for senior management positions, with pre-production and testing due to commence shortly.

GAC is co-owned by CEO, Michael Travers, and Michael O’Connell, both of whom have lengthy, successful experience in hi-tech manufacturing.

It will trade as part of a strategic partnership with Gill Corporation, an American-based, multi-national producer of automotive components.

Mr Travers cites “significant” investment in the venture by both Gill industries and GAC.

While no state investment has been provided, GAC is in continuing discussions with the IDA, the County Enterprise Board and Enterprise Ireland with regard to potential future investment in the company.

Mr Travers said: “Ireland competed for this business against very strong Eastern European competitors.

“Automotive contracts are based on very tight profit margins — and future growth or investment depends on the competitiveness of the Irish plant and the flexibility and skills of Irish-based employees,” he added.

During a lengthy career in manufacturing and engineering, Mr Travers oversaw the global operations of Tytex Ltd, a medical textile factory that closed in 2010 after 25 years in Youghal.

His career in the automotive industry saw him serve as VP of European Operations with the Danaher Corporation in Switzerland.

Mr O’Connell owns the award-winning Flexachem Manufacturing Plant, in Douglas in Cork city.

GAC will benefit Ireland’s sub-supply base by sourcing all component parts nationally.

The plant will also boost local services in Youghal, which has shed five factories and 2,000 jobs in the past decade.