Minister Martin announces Irish firm abtran to invest €1.5 million and create 50 new jobs at Cork HQ

Irish firm abtran to invest €1.5 million and create 50 new jobs at Cork HQ

CORK, Ireland (Monday 30^th January, 2006): Abtran, a leading Irish firm specialising in business process outsourcing services, is to invest €1.5 million in its research and development and professional services divisions. The move will lead to the creation of 50 new jobs over the next year at abtran’s Cork headquarters, where over 250 staff are currently employed. It will also lay the foundation for further significant employment expansion in the coming three years.

The investment plans were announced this morning by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Micheál Martin, T.D., at a function in the company’s headquarters at the University Technology Centre, Bishopstown.

Established in 1996, abtran’s leading position in the provision of customer contact management services is driven by continuous investment in people, processes, technology and infrastructure. Abtran is a strategic business partner for corporate and government clients in Ireland and worldwide.

The new jobs will require graduates in areas including research and development, business analysis and software development. Recruitment will take place over the next twelve months. Further employment opportunities are likely to arise in related support functions in the years ahead.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Martin, commented: “The overall high quality of operation which has been achieved by abtran is second to none worldwide The expansion of this highly successful Irish firm is a logical step based on strategic market research and the exceptional work which has been carried out to date by management and staff. It is deeply encouraging to see an indigenous enterprise grow in this manner.”

According to abtran’s Managing Director, Michael Fitzgerald, “The expansion which we are investing in will allow our company to capitalise on opportunities in the growing market for business process outsourcing throughout the world. As an innovative and competitive firm, we see further business expansion taking place among clients in Ireland, Europe and the United States. Our growth plans for the future will be underpinned by continued investment in sophisticated technology and processes and highly skilled personnel.”

Commenting on the announcement, Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland

said: "Growing the number of indigenous firms like abtran in the high-value internationally traded services sector is a major focus of Enterprise Ireland’s 2005-2007 Strategy - Transforming Irish Industry.”

Mr. Ryan continued: “Enterprise Ireland is working with abtran to explore international market opportunities and has to date provided the company with funding for Research and Development through our Research Technology and Innovation (RTI) fund. This funding has facilitated the growth of the company's R&D department and its positioning as a strategic part of the business.”

Abtran’s leading position in the business process outsourcing market is based on a proven track record of quality and innovation. The company places a priority on initiatives which add value to client operations and to the market positioning of their brands.

Abtran’s clients include Cork County Council, An Post, Dublin City Council, the National Consumer Agency, the Financial Regulator, international governments and BT, among others.