BUSINESS
HP to create 500 Irish jobs
10-03-2009
by Bryan Collins
Computer giant Hewlett Packard is to create 500 Irish jobs over the next 12 months with a EUR18 million expansion.
The global multinational, which already employs 4,000 people at its Irish base in Leixlip, is expanding its global service desk and is to recruit 300 new staff immediately.
The multi-lingual technical support centre will employ a range of people, including high-end graduates. HP's expansion, which is supported by IDA Ireland, also includes the creation of a research and development capability.
"Ireland will continue to invest heavily in education to ensure a supply of skilled, multilingual graduates in order to assist companies, such as HP, to win an increasing level of complex outsourcing contracts which will drive the future success of the service industry," said Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
ICT Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the high-tech sector has welcomed the news. “This announcement gives a clear signal that Ireland continues to have the skills and talent required to support global technology businesses. We must ensure that there continues to be a supply of students with transferable skills in computers, engineering and multilingual skills if we are to benefit from these developments in the future," said ICT Ireland Director Kathryn D'Arcy, in a statement.
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