Mary Harney, Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced today (Wednesday 3rd February 1999) a £16 million IDA supported expansion plan for BERU Manufacturing of Tralee, Co. Kerry and the creation of 166 new jobs, 130 of which will be created within three years.

The Tanaiste said, "the management and workforce are to be congratulated on winning this strategic investment which further strengthens the Tralee facility's position within BERU's worldwide operations. The investment will substantially enhance the technology and skills at the facility as the new operations are significantly more advanced technically. BERU is already a major contributor to the economy of Tralee and this expansion will have a further major impact on the town."

The Tánaiste added that the new jobs will offer a wide range of employment opportunities, a large proportion being for third level graduates such as engineers, electronic technicians, toolmakers, fitters and quality assurance inspectors. She said "this was a model of the type of industrial development which the Government is encouraging in order to continually upgrade and sustain industry in Ireland. Development of skills is a critical element in this strategy."

The investment at the diesel engine components facility, which will double its workforce over the next five years, is for the manufacture of a new range of diesel engine glowplugs, sensors and preheating devices and the establishment of a R&D department.

The investment is an essential part of BERU's worldwide strategic plan. It will establish the Tralee facility as the second high volume source within the BERU Group of "Quickstart" glowplugs for diesel cars. The R&D department will be involved in process development initially and subsequently in glowplug and sensor development. The glowplug production lines will be fully automated and a new machine shop will manufacture components currently outsourced.

The Tanaiste welcoming the investment for Tralee said, "such a significant expansion by a company already operating in the town is a major vote of confidence in the people and support services of the area. It is extremely good news following so quickly on the October announcement of the new investment by another German company - Amann and Soehne GmbH, the world's third largest manufacturer of sewing thread. These two investments further highlight the capabilities of Tralee as a successful location for major international companies operating in world markets and will be of valuable assistance to IDA Ireland in its continuing international marketing of Tralee."

The Tanaiste concluded with an update on IDA Ireland supported investments in Tralee which are continuing to develop and are actively recruiting.

The investment by Amann and Soehne GmbH, in excess of £26 million, at the former Klopman Textiles plant has already commenced operation and recruitment of the initial workforce is underway. The specialised sewing thread production facility will employ 400 people within four years.

RKT GmbH, one of Germany's leading toolmaking companies, which announced a £2.5 million investment in November 1997 will employ 47 people in the design and manufacture of tools for a range of industries. It is progressing as planned and already has recruited 13 people. Hermann Kleinhuis Gmbh, a manufacturer of plastic components for the electrical industry, employs 29 of the 75 people planned for recruitment by the year 2000 and is continuing to recruit.