Jobs boost as Wayne Metals & WP Engine create 140 new roles

Two companies are to create 140 new jobs over the next five years in the areas of technology and medicine.

Software firm WP Engine has opened a new technical support and innovation centre in Limerick, which will lead to the creation of 100 new jobs over the next three years.

WP Engine powers digital experiences for websites hosted on Wordpress. Since launching its London office last year the business' customer base has more than doubled. Its new Limerick base will help support the firm in dealing with surging demand.

Chief executive Heather Brunner said the company is focused on delivering the best managed WordPress platform in the world.

“As a company we aim to be present in cities that are successful in terms of job creation and attracting businesses - as represented by our offices in Austin, San Antonio, San Francisco, and more recently London.

"Limerick, similarly, has a terrific environment and culture where the community, government and business leaders are committed to building local talent and creating a technology innovation and incubation center. We wanted to help further build and be a part of that ecosystem.”

The firm boasts Soundcloud, UnderArmour and AMD amongst its list of clients.

Meanwhile Fort Wayne Metals Ireland is to expand its production operations in Castlebar with an investment of €10m that will result in the creation of 40 new jobs over the next five years.

The investment will see the medical material manufacturer add 20,000 sq ft of production space. The company manufactures materials used in guidewires, stents, embolic filters, and pacemaker leads.

The firm, which was set up 14 years ago in 2002, now employs 80 staff with the client list now including customers from Ireland, Europe, and Asia.

Chief executive Scott Glaze praised the commitment of the company's Irish staff.

"Our people are our strength and this is what gives me great confidence in this investment.” He acknowledged the strong work ethic, the availability of highly skilled staff and the support and guidance given by IDA Ireland and the Irish Medical Device Association (IMDA) as key factors in making the decision."

From independent.ie (26/9/2016)