420 International Services Jobs For Waterford - Harney

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced today (Tuesday 15th September, 1998) that three companies would create 420 jobs in Waterford.

Sun Life Assurance Company is setting up a software development centre in Waterford, creating up to 205 high calibre jobs. AlliedSignal Business Services is expanding its Software Centre in Waterford creating 65 new jobs. AOL Bertelsmann is establishing a facility in Waterford creating 150 new teleservices jobs.

Making the announcement at a function in Jury's Hotel in Waterford, the Tánaiste said, "The success in winning these high calibre investments with 420 jobs comes as a result of an intensive drive to get more business to establish in Waterford. I personally gave that commitment on coming into office and I am delighted that our endeavours are bearing fruit. I congratulate IDA Ireland on their efforts in helping put Waterford on the map for additional business."

"One of the key elements in winning foreign investment is the availability of advance buildings. It is significant that both of the new projects - Sun Life and AOL Bertelsmann - are moving into existing buildings in Waterford, enabling them to achieve a speedy start-up," the Tanaiste said. "Maintaining the momentum," the Tánaiste added, "three new 25,000 sq. ft buildings are on the way in the IDA Industrial Park. Work is nearing completion on a 25,000 sq. ft advance factory. Construction is also underway on a 25,000 sq. ft high spec office building and planning permission is being sought for another 25,000 sq. ft factory building. The recently upgraded status of Waterford Institute of Technology, combined with IDA's new Technology Park are positioning Waterford to win further investment, particularly from the information technology sector."

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, one of the largest insurance companies in the world, has agreed a proposal with IDA Ireland to establish a software development centre in Waterford, creating up to 205 high calibre jobs over three years. An Irish manager, Mr Brendan Maher, has been appointed and joined the Tánaiste at the reception in Waterford. Half of the workforce are expected to be recruited by the end of 1999 and Sun Life will be looking for system analysts, computer programmers, network technicians and PC support technicians. People with various levels of experience will be considered for employment, and training will be provided for entry level employees.

"Winning this project is very important for Waterford, as it is the first large-scale stand-alone software development centre to locate in the City. Having examined a number of locations in Ireland and overseas, the reputation of Waterford Institute of Technology software graduates, the communications network and the availability of a suitable building convinced Sun Life that Waterford was the place to locate," said the Tánaiste. Sun Life's Information Technology Centre in Waterford will provide an on-going solution for their information technology needs, which are increasing dramatically due to internal growth within Sun Life, and a number of other factors including EMU and Electronic Commerce.

The Tánaiste said that AlliedSignal Business Services, a division of Allied Signal Inc. has agreed a proposal with IDA Ireland to expand its software operation in Waterford, to support the company's global SAP initiative (enterprise resource planning software) creating 65 new high calibre jobs over five years.

SAP enterprise resource planning software is an integrated set of client server modules, supporting every aspect of corporate operations, including forecasting, order management, finance, maintenance, purchasing, materials management, logistics and quality assurance. AlliedSignal has embarked upon a world-wide programme of introducing SAP throughout its organisation.

"This project has been won against stiff competition from AlliedSignal Business Services' other locations in the US and Europe, and puts Waterford on the map as a location for cutting-edge software technology" said the Tánaiste.

Welcoming AOL Bertelsmann the Tánaiste said, "the German media giant and America Online Inc. (AOL), the world's largest and fastest growing provider of online services, are setting up a new call centre on the IDA Industrial Park, bringing 150 teleservices jobs to Waterford. A manager has been appointed and recruitment of the first 30 people has already begun."

AOL Bertelsmann's first call centre in Ireland was set up in 1996 and currently employs 400 people in Dublin, providing technical and customer support to users of the America Online internet service in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

Their call centre business in Ireland, which has already attracted one million customers, provides a full customer service helpline that answers any questions from new or existing members about the services. The call centre also helps members if they have any technical problems installing the software on their computers.