Equifax expansion to create 180 jobs in Wexford

US company Equifax is to create 180 new jobs as part of the expansion of its operations in Wexford.

The expansion will result in a range of new functions being added to the operation, as well as the designation of Wexford as the primary support centre for a number of the company's European services. Equifax collects and manages credit, financial, demographic and marketing information. It then pro-cesses this data and markets it to consumers and business customers.

The Wexford operation currently employs 95 permanent staff and 45 staff on temporary contracts.

Under the expansion, 180 new per-manent positions will be added over the next five years. The company has indicated that the employees on temporary contracts will be given the opportunity to fill 45 of the new positions.

"With 80 per cent of our business currently being generated in the US, we are placing a heavy focus on expanding our international presence," said Sandra Lawrence, general manager at Equifax in the UK. "This investment in the Wexford operation is a vital element in that strategy.

"The Irish operation's performance and superior quality of service, the availability of suitable people to work in Wexford and the country's pro-business attitude and business incentives make Ireland an ideal location for this new investment."

Equifax's Wexford operation was established in 1994. It provides customer support, data-recording services and data analysis for a sister company in the UK which is responsible for the group's European business.

To cater for the expansion, the company will relocate to new premises at the IDA Ireland business and technology park at Drinagh, Wexford, by the fourth quarter of this year.