Minister Martin officially opens Autolaunch Ltd. a Division of Magna International Inc. in Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow

Mr Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment today (September 8, 2005) officially opened a 50,000 sq.ft. factory developed from a Greenfield site by Autolaunch Ltd. in Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. The company, set up by brothers Ed and Michael Hickey as an Irish owned start-up company in 2003 with the support of Enterprise Ireland, manufactures Class A automotive tools. The company was subsequently purchased by Canadian automotive company Magna International Inc. Autolaunch currently employs 75 people, with job numbers anticipated to rise to approximately 185 over 5 years. As part of the official opening Minister Martin presented Autolaunch with the NSAI ISO 9001:2000 award.

Officially opening the plant, Minister Martin said: “Magna’s investment in Autolaunch reflects its high regard for Autolaunch’s founders Ed and Michael Hickey, who both reached senior positions in Magna’s North American Tooling Operations. I am delighted that this investment expands Magna International’s tooling presence in Europe and creates new jobs in Ireland. New businesses not only create jobs in local areas, but also generate spin-off economic activities which are critically important in promoting regional development. It is also pleasing that the Irish management will be key players in the strategic development and future direction of Autolaunch.

“All of the output from this plant will be exported to automotive customers located around the world. This performance reflects AutoLaunch’s commitment to quality and I am delighted to present the company with the NSAI ISO 9001:2000 award. I wish the company continued success. IDA Ireland is committed to working closely with you in your future growth and development as a multinational company.” Minister Martin concluded.

Welcoming the opening by Minister Martin, Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland said, “We see the returning ex-pat community as a potentially rich source of new start-up companies. The experience and contacts within our returning ex-pat community, as seen from the Autolaunch experience, can translate into ambitious, high growth companies providing employment across the country”.

Speaking at the opening, Ed Hickey, General Manager of Autolaunch said “As part of the expansion of Autolaunch, Magna will invest in machinery and buildings for the Bagenalstown plant. The plant will provide apprenticeships and training to add to the strong tool making and engineering skill pool in the region. I would like to thank Enterprise Ireland for helping us to start up this company and their continued support and expertise. I would also like to thank Carlow County Council who have responded quickly and effectively to every request we have put to them. We are delighted with the rapid progress we have made in such a short timeframe and I would like to pay tribute to our staff here for their dedication and commitment”.

ENDS/ETE 1406

further information contact:

Kathleen Quinlan

Press Officer, Enterprise Ireland

Mob 087-969 1680