Thirty jobs follow €1m Tullamore investment

On Monday last, the Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced a significant €1 million investment programme at ATSR (Automotive Technology Systems and Research Ltd) in Tullamore, which will see the company create up to 30 new high value jobs over the next two years, bringing total employment to over 50. This investment programme, which is being supported by Government through Enterprise Ireland, will see the company expanding its research and development and manufacturing operations and overseas presence, positioning it to continue building its growing number of export clients. ATSR (Automotive Technology Systems and Research Ltd) was set up in 2006 and develops and produces controlling systems for emergency vehicles including ambulances, fire engines and police cars. Since start up, the company has experienced rapid growth, winning new business both in Ireland and export markets, including Canada, the US and UK, and now forms part of a cohort of companies that Enterprise Ireland has identified as having the potential to achieve significant scale. This new investment programme underpins a major expansion strategy where ATSR will focus on increased R&D in Ireland and strategic sales and marketing activity, specifically in the North American markets where it has already established a strong presence. Speaking at the official opening the Taoiseach congratulated ATSR on their continued growth and success. "This is a company that has grown year on year since its establishment in 2006. They are following a focussed international growth strategy and their success in winning new business confirms their growing international reputation as a leading supplier in their field. This new investment programme is a very significant development that will drive their next phase of export-led growth. This is an example of an indigenous, expanding, export-driven company employing highly skilled people and contributing so much to the region and to Tullamore. I congratulate them on their success and on this new investment programme," he dsaid. At the event, ATSR outlined details of the investment plan for the company over the next two years, which includes overseas expansion, significant R&D investment and a recruitment drive for a range of experienced professionals. Commenting on these plans Eric Gallagher, CEO of ATSR, said: "Today's event marks the continued growth of ATSR and its reputation internationally as a leading supplier in its field. The company has already had particular success in securing contracts with Mitsubishi/Wilker on an Irish Army contract, SECAMB - NHS and Tri-Star Canada. We have established a presence in Toronto with incubator facilities in Enterprise Ireland's Toronto office, and this foothold in North America has helped us significantly increase our business there. "Our focus is on demonstrating clear competitive advantage for our customers in terms of usability, efficiency, capability and cost. ATSR is a committed innovator, and this investment programme will allow us capitalise on the growing global demand for our products. We expect to continue expanding our business, growing export markets and increasing jobs here in the Midlands region and our new Canadian base. "Welcoming the announcement, Barry Egan, Midlands Regional Director for Enterprise Ireland, said: "Enterprise Ireland is delighted to be working with ATSR in growing its international business. ATSR is exactly the type of innovative, high potential, export-oriented company operating successfully from the midlands region that Enterprise Ireland is keen to support, and shows what can be achieved when the ambitions and energy of a young company are harnessed and supported."