Minister Martin Announces New Project for Burnfoot

Enterprise Ireland Supports PowerBoard R&D

Mr Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, today Wednesday 21st September 2005, announced the establishment of PowerBoard, a new high growth potential start-up company in Burnfoot, Co Donegal with the support of Enterprise Ireland. PowerBoard will create 65 new jobs over 3 years. The new company will design, develop and manufacture electrical enclosures and switch gear for export to European markets.

Making the announcement Minister Martin said: “PowerBoard is the second company to be established by Philip Doherty in Burnfoot and follows the official opening by me of PowerBar last December. That company employs 35 people in R&D, sales, production and administration. Philip and his team are to be commended for their initiative and strong commitment to Donegal.

“I am very pleased that the new jobs being announced today include a 14 person research and development team. Market led research and development will ensure that diverse customer needs are met on a continuous basis.

“Growing the number and scale of new start-up exporting companies is very important in developing and sustaining our regional economies. It is also a key element of Enterprise Ireland’s Strategy 2005 – 2007: Transforming Irish Industry.” The Minister said.

Welcoming the announcement by the Minister, Philip Doherty, promoter of the PowerBoard project said: “ We are very pleased that PowerBar and now PowerBoard could establish their operations in the one location in Burnfoot, Co Donegal. Both of the companies will have their own discrete customers and are developing their own knowledge and intellectual property through intensive research and development and design projects.”

Also welcoming the Minister’s announcement Kevin Sherry, Manager of Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up Unit said: “ Philip Doherty and his companies are a great example of entrepreneurship in action and demonstrate what can be achieved in regional locations. Enterprise Ireland is very pleased to play it’s part in supporting the vision, commitment and determination to succeed in export markets displayed by the team at PowerBoard.”

ENDS ETE 1416