Siemens gives Cork a jobs boost

16-07-2008

by Deirdre McArdle

Siemens is to create 60 high-tech jobs as it expands its IT Solutions & Services division in Cork.

Despite the fact that Siemens is currently culling around 12,600 jobs worldwide, the firm has said business is booming in Ireland and it needs to expand to cater for demand. The 60 new jobs are for highly skilled technical and network specialists.

Siemens IT Solutions & Services employs 270 people in its Penrose Wharf, Cork offices. The additional jobs will bring the total headcount in Cork to 330 people. Siemens employs around 1,100 staff in Ireland.

Siemens Ireland recently won a multi-million euro contract with a major multinational to provide IT help desk services. The firm has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the multinational and as a result is not in a position to name it, according to a spokesperson. Siemens Ireland CEO, Dr Werner Kruckow, said that the Cork facility played a key role in securing this lucrative contract for Siemens Ireland.

Malte Gloth, Division Manager of Siemens IT Solutions & Services Ireland, said the deal "is a significant cornerstone regarding our growth strategy for Siemens IT Solutions & Services in Ireland. There are further interesting opportunities within the Irish market, both public and private and we anticipate further growth for our business."

IDA Ireland welcomed the jobs announcement with CEO Barry O'Leary saying it was great news for Cork and the South West region. "Siemens is a significant multinational company in the ICT industry in Ireland and this development is a further endorsement of Ireland as a prime location for highly innovative companies carrying out key strategic activities. Today's news is a strong commitment by Siemens to the growth and development of its Irish operations."

Cork has had a couple of jobs blows in the past few weeks. Most recently staff at Freescale Semiconductors were told the firm was to close its operations in Cork with the loss of 47 high-tech jobs.

On the flip side, US firm ON Semiconductor announced on Monday it was to establish an R&D centre in Limerick, creating 49 high-tech jobs in the process.