Tánaiste Opens Cork Company Zenith Technologies German Offices

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Mary Coughlan T.D. officially opened the first continental European offices of Cork Company Zenith Technologies in Marburg, Germany. The official opening took place during the Tánaiste’s trade, investment and promotion mission to the Federal Republic of Germany which is underway this week.

Zenith, which is head-quartered in Cork, is a global leader providing consultancy services and systems integration expertise to the biopharmaceutical industry. The offices will cater to Zenith’s growing client base in the region, which include leading pharmaceutical multinationals Novartis and Roche Diagnostics. Zenith was established in Cork 11 years ago and grew its reputation servicing the multinational pharmaceutical industry in Ireland where its clients included Pfizer, Novartis and Wyeth. It now employs over 300 people and also has offices in Dublin, UK, US, Singapore and India.

Making the announcement, the Tánaiste said, “I am delighted to be here to open the first continental European offices for Cork’s Zenith Technologies. Growing export sales is fundamental to Ireland’s future economic success and the Eurozone, being on our doorstep and free from currency risk, is an important market for Irish companies seeking to internationalise their business. Within that block, Germany as Europe’s largest economy demands attention.

“The opening of the Marburg offices signal Zenith’s growing business in the Eurozone and mirrors the increasing awareness of Irish companies as to the wealth of business that can be secured on their own doorstep. This investment sets an important cornerstone for Zenith’s further expansion into the European market and I warmly congratulate them.”

Joe Haugh Director of European Operations with Zenith stated, “It has always been Zenith’s strategy and commitment to provide our services to our customers wherever they have facilities located around the world. The opening of our first German office is a continuation of this strategy. Germany and the Eurozone provide tremendous opportunity for a company like Zenith to grow a sustainable business. We have been very successful to date, winning a number of major projects in Germany and we are very excited about the future prospects in the region. This is a fantastic opportunity to export out expertise and vast experience in supporting Life Science related industries.”

Deirdre McPartlin, Enterprise Ireland’s Germany Manager added, “Marketing in the Eurozone offers growth opportunities for Irish exporters and, with its common currency and demand for high-value products and services, the Eurozone offers greater stability and for Irish exporters. Ireland has the companies with the characteristics to succeed here and Enterprise Ireland is available to companies to introduce them to key contacts, provide market information, help them win sales and to overcome some of the perceived barriers of language, distance and culture.”

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17th March 2010