Anne-Marie Tierney Le-Roux, IDA Ireland, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Chris Adams, CEO Park Place Technologies as Park Place Technologies opened its Support and Operations Centre at Blarney Business Park. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Jobs growth predicted as new facilities open in Cork

A global data centre and networking optimisation firm has opened its long-awaited Support and Operations Centre at Blarney Business Park

Park Place Technologies new flagship facility consists of 24,500 square feet and will accommodate, the company said, Park Place’s growth, allow employee expansion, offer a landmark facility for clients, and provide a high-quality meeting space for prospects and channel partners.

It predicts that its workforce will double by 2024.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I am delighted to welcome the official opening of the new Park Place Technologies facility in Blarney, a very positive development for Cork and for the broader region.

“The opening of the new facility is testament to the Park Place Technologies continued commitment to Ireland and the growth and success of the company here. The Government will continue to work to support our thriving technology sector, and leading companies such as Park Place Technologies, as we build on the record 2.5 million people now in employment in Ireland and ensure continued opportunities in the future.”

This project is supported by the Government through IDA Ireland.

Recruitment will continue for highly skilled engineering and technology positions.

Ian Shearer, Park Place Managing Director, EMEA & APAC, said: “Park Place Technologies opened its first office in Cork in 2018. Our growth, commitment to the people of Ireland, and investment in local Irish communities through our STEM philanthropy has been consistent, dedicated and a tremendous addition to Cork’s tech presence. Ireland is a prime destination from which to serve our European and global customer base.”

“Park Place represents a modest investment for Ireland, but Ireland represents a major piece of our global investment in customer and employee experience,” said Park Place President and CEO Chris Adams.

“As Park Place gains more experience in nearly every region of the globe, it is clear to us that Ireland is a special strategic partner; and the people and business community of County Cork are truly world class in their collaboration, tech skills and vision for the future. We offer tremendous gratitude to IDA Ireland, which has offered insight, guidance and access to resources that have been invaluable to our investment,” he added.

Meanwhile, last Friday, Alpha Automation & Controls, the Cork-based automation solutions provider, announced plans to double its workforce over the next 3 years following a move to a new state of the art premises in Carrigtwohill which were officially opened by the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Defence, Simon Coveney TD.

Founded in 2017, the company focuses on the delivery of customised industrial automation solutions to companies in the pharma, food and beverage, and manufacturing industries in Ireland and the UK with customers like Johnson & Johnson, MERCK, Kerry Group and Irish Distillers.

Minister Coveney said: “Alpha Automation & Controls is a great example of the homegrown companies which form the support backbone of Ireland’s global life sciences and other process industries. Global leaders in these sectors, from pharmaceutical to food, are reliant on Irish suppliers like Alpha Automation to provide them with the world-class services they require.”