TÁNAISTE OFFICIALLY OPENS KEL ELECTRONICS LTD NEW MANUFACTURING PLANT IN ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Mary Harney Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Wednesday, 30th September 1998) officially opened KEL Electronic's new manufacturing plant in Ennis, Co. Clare.

Speaking at the official opening the Tánaiste said "the expansion of Kel Electronics in Ennis will involve a total investment of over £3 million and the creation of 195 additional jobs over the next 3 years. It is the first major expansion of a Shannon Development backed electronic assembly operation in Ennis for many years and a very welcome development for the area".

The project involves the relocation of the old Neltronic Manufacturing operations from Shannon Development's Enterprise Centre modern 26,000 sq. ft. advance factory in the new Ballymaley Business Park.

Neltronic Manufacturing was purchased this year by Sean and Gerry Howley who are the founders of Karavale Enterprises UK Ltd. Karavale which also has electronics manufacturing facilities in England and Wales, has a customer base which includes companies across the telecommunications, consumer, industrial and medical industries sectors.

The expansion of Kel in Ennis will allow for the rapid development of an export orientated operation which will supply a broad customer base.

Kel developed following Shannon Development approval using Government backed incentives to capture local investment capital in the expansion of the industrial infrastructure of Ennis. "The Government is determined to maximise industrial and job opportunities in the region and this project is yet another example of the success of regional industrial development" the Tánaiste said.