Co Wicklow to get 35 new R&D jobs

Some 35 jobs are to be created at a cosmetics company in north Wicklow, it was announced today.

The high-skilled scientific positions will be rolled out over the next five years at Oriflame Cosmetics in Bray following a €2.4m investment in its new research and development centre.

The Swedish company currently employs 92 scientists at the outlet, which has been operating for eight years.

Jimmy Devins, Science Minister, said the new state-of-the-art R&D centre would act as a showcase in helping IDA Ireland attract similar outlets across the country.

“This highly strategic investment is excellent news as it is a significant recognition of the Bray Centre and a substantial enhancement of its integral role in the global business of the group,” Mr Devins said.

“It very much fits in with the next wave of foreign direct investment projects for Ireland and I welcome its location in Bray, where it will act as a showcase in assisting IDA Ireland to attract similar R&D activities to this country.

“The Bray management and workforce are to be congratulated for the reputation their facility has achieved – a major factor in the winning of this investment.”

The facility includes the new Ori-derm clinical testing suite, where newly developed products are tested on a panel of volunteers.

The centre was first opened in 2000, originally employing 28 scientists.

Mary Lord, R&D Director of Oriflame in Ireland, said the company had invested significant resources in developing technical expertise in Ireland.

“This new facility is evidence of Oriflame’s commitment to retain and further develop this knowledge and experience which has been built up over the past 29 years,” she said.

“We were thrilled when the Board of Oriflame Cosmetics further invested in Ireland as the location for this research and development centre.”

The company markets a range of cosmetic products including skin care, colour cosmetics, personal care, fragrances and nutritional supplements.