Minister O’Keeffe announces 55 jobs in two firms in Kerry

1 June 2010

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD, has announced 55 jobs in two firms in Tralee, Co Kerry.

Straker - a high-tech firm that develops software allowing websites to be run across several languages - is to establish its European headquarters in the town creating 25 jobs.

Meanwhile, ENERCON, one of world’s largest manufacturers of wind turbines, is to establish a technical services operation in Tralee creating 30 jobs over the next two years.

Both firms will locate in Kerry Technology Park.

Minister O’Keeffe described the announcements as ‘important indicators of Ireland’s economic recovery and our ability to attract world-leading firms to the south-western region’.

‘The town is well served by a wide skills base in Kerry Technology Park, good transport links and high-calibre graduates from Tralee Institute of Technology - three crucial deciders in the process of drawing firms such as Sraker and ENERCON to Tralee,’ said Minister O’Keeffe.

Straker, an emerging leader in the field of web localisation, will establish its European headquarters and customer support hub in Kerry Technology Park.

The company recently won contracts with Sunlife, the European Commission, and a number of large exporters in the US.

The European headquarters will service client needs across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the US east coast.

The 25 degree-level jobs will be in sales, technical support, technical development and administration.

ENERCON, a German wind energy company, manufactures wind turbines and component parts.

It employs more than 12,000 workers worldwide.

The Tralee-based operation will service Ireland and Britain and the jobs will be at technical and management levels.

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For further information please contact:

Bernard Mallee, Press Adviser to Minister Batt O'Keeffe, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, on Tel: +353 1 631 3944, Mobile: +353 87 9173022, Email: bernard.mallee@deti.ie