Netwatch plans 85 new jobs to fuel expansion

Carlow-based Netwatch is set to create up to 85 jobs in the coming year as it starts its programme of expansion following a €20 million investment.

Recruitment has already begun for the new roles at the high-tech security firm, 60 of which will be in Carlow. The remaining 25 will be in the company’s offices in the UK and the US.

Chief executive David Walsh, said the company intends to create 30 jobs before the end of the year, with the rest filled in the first quarter of 2017. The roles are mainly high-tech, with the company looking to hire software and hardware engineers, and fill positions in sales engineering solutions, marketing and digital marketing.

When all the roles are filled, Netwatch will employ more than 250 people.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny welcomed the news, saying it showed Ireland was to the forefront of research and development in the software sector.

Mr Walsh said much of the €20 million funding will help fuel the company’s expansion in the US, where it sees enormous opportunity to grow further.

Netwatch, which offers elite managed business monitoring solutions, said it has grown by 35 per cent in the past year.

Research

The firm has also invested in its research and development capability, with technology seen as a key driver. The company has recently invested in graduates from in the computer vision and machine learning spaces, which it said has allowed the firm to create innovative video based solutions for specific clients’ needs.

The Enterprise Ireland-backed company is targeting significant growth in the US in the next four years, anticipating that up to 60 per cent of its new business will come from the US.

“If our plans in the US come to pass, it’s likely we’ll be making further significant announcements,” Mr Walsh said.

From Irish Times (7/10/2016)