Tánaiste announces new high value software development centre for Cork, which will create 30 highly skilled jobs.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Mary Harney T.D., announced today that TR-Electronic GmbH of Germany, one of the leading companies in industrial sensors, is establishing a software development centre in Cork, with the support of IDA Ireland, which will strategically establish the company at the higher end of the value chain. It will create 30 new highly skilled jobs over five years for graduates in computer science or with electronic/electrical backgrounds in software engineering.

Making the announcement the Tánaiste said: "TR's choice of Cork for this investment was influenced by Ireland's reputation as a world-leading location for software expertise. Other factors included the company's perception that Cork had the right environment for this type of operation due to the presence of many high-tech companies in the area and the assistance provided by IDA Ireland."

TR's strategy is focussed on high value niche products where significant added value arises for the company. The new Cork Centre - TR Sensors Ireland Limited - will more than double TR's software capabilities. It will develop customised software for TR's range of industrial sensors, encoders and systems which are supplied to world markets. It has recently commenced operations in temporary premises at the Heritage Business Park in Mahon, while the company identifies a suitable long-term location.

TR-Electronic designs, develops, manufactures and markets a range of sensors and encoders for customers that have a need for precise measurement and control in sectors such as machine tool, industrial machinery, robotics, automated materials handling and process industries. The leading-edge technologies used include precision electro-mechanics, optical alignment and laser measurement.

TR's products are designed on a modular basis for flexibility of use in a number of applications and it is the development of specific software that customises a product for the particular function required, this is where the Cork operation will play a central role. In addition, the growing trend for the integration of a number of functions into one device is giving rise to increased software complexity and it is anticipated that the Cork operation will have a key role in this work also.

Mr. Conor Healy, IDA Ireland's Manager for the South West Region, welcoming the announcement, said, "The decision by TR Electronic to establish this Centre in Cork is significant in that it highlights the attractiveness of Cork as a location for high quality projects which utilise the high level of skills and capability in the Region. Key to the decision was the presence of other highly successful software operations and the quality of available graduates."

About TR-Electronic GmbH

TR-Electronic GmbH is a private family-owned company from Trossingen, Germany. TR's sensor target markets are in position/motion control, speed and revolutions-per-minute (rpm) sensors. These are used in the automation of activities such as process monitoring, inventory control, maintenance and quality control and assist in achieving cost reductions and production efficiencies. Its encoders, used for the precise recording of mechanical movement and its conversion into electrical signals for processing, are essential for the reliable functioning of precise mechanical positioning and automation controllers.

Another recent product development is the new generation of absolute, LASER-based distance sensors, an absolute and high-speed position measurement system for use in automatic storage facilities, crane positioning and general logistic tasks. Implementation of special interfacing technology will be done at the Cork centre.

TR-Electronic GmbH was established in 1983 by Mr. Claus Tessari, its President and CEO. Mr. Tessari, who has a leading reputation for innovation and technical excellence, developed substantial improvements in sensor technology for industrial applications. TR employs 300 people worldwide and has representation in 27 countries, including 9 wholly owned sales subsidiaries.

Sensor and encoder products are TR's primary business. The balance of TR's business is accounted for by a variety of products such as industrial computers and control systems. These related products enable TR to provide integrated software/hardware solutions for customers if required.

ENDS