Internet Firm Boosts Drogheda

The boss of Ireland's economic development body has welcomed news that an online company linking buyers and suppliers in the manufacturing industry is creating 50 jobs.

Barry O'Leary, Chief Executive of IDA Ireland, said: "This investment clearly reinforces Ireland's reputation as one of Europe's leading locations for business services companies."

Recruitment is to begin immediately for the posts at the new MFG.com operations centre at Drogheda, which will serve customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Stefan Bachmann, General Manager, Europe, said the Co Louth town's flexible, highly qualified workforce made it a natural choice for its expansion: "We look forward to building the Drogheda operation into our pivotal hub for the region and to welcoming more Irish-based buyers and suppliers who want to broaden their international reach."

MFG.com, which has headquarters in Atlanta, US, claims it is the world's largest online sourcing marketplace for the manufacturing sector, allowing buyers to connect with suppliers and helping them to trade online.

Positions created in the new Drogheda operations centre over the next two years will include customer technical support, sales and human resources roles.

Batt O'Keeffe, Dáil Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Minister, said the investment was strategically important for the north-eastern region.

He said: "Drogheda can provide the skills base and expertise to draw an innovative world leader such as MFG.com."

(BMcC/GK)