Waterford expects 800 new jobs

Waterford is to get an 800-job boost through development announcements today by two American-linked companies.

The United States-based Genzeyn biotechnology firm is set to create nearly 500 of the jobs by taking over a plant left empty in the city at the end of last year by the departure of an Italian sunglasses manufacturer.

The move follows negotiations between the United States corporation and the Industrial Development Agency, which specifically targets overseas investment.

The second jobs announcement is expected from the Nypro company, which is jointly owned by Irish and American interests and produces plastic moulded components for the telecommunications, healthcare and car industries.

It is lining up 300 jobs at a new plant on an industrial estate in Waterford.