Otterbox and Tesco to create jobs in Cork and Westmeath

UP TO 130 jobs will be created in Cork and Westmeath in the coming months.

Mobile phone accessory maker Otterbox is to create 50 jobs in Cork over the next two years when it establishes its Europe, Middle- East and Africa (EMEA) headquarters in the city.

The US-based company, which makes protective covers for mobile phone handsets, is setting up operations in George’s Quay. The jobs will be in sales, customer service, accounting, engineering, public relations, marketing, web design, graphics, supply chain, human resources and warehousing.

Otterbox’s EMEA managing director Matt Clark said the company was looking to firmly establish its presence in the market.

“Cork is the perfect location for that with its access to Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as our headquarters in Colorado,” he said.

Announcing the jobs yesterday morning, Minister for Enterprise Batt O’Keeffe said the operation would be at the heart of Otterbox’s global growth.

Recruitment for the positions has begun.

Separately, retailer Tesco has announced the opening of a new store in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath, as part of a €113 million nationwide investment plan that was announced in July.

The new store will create 80 jobs in the town.

New outlets are also set to open in Galway, Mayo, Waterford and Kildare in the coming months.