An Irish concrete products manufacturer is to create 41 jobs in Westmeath.

Shay Murtagh Precast is adding the jobs with the support of Enterprise Ireland, and investing €3 million in technology to produce precast concrete tunnel segments.

The company already employs 75 people, and managing director Ciarán Murtagh said the announcement yesterday would also secure these jobs.

The business, which was established in 1981, said the expansion was necessary to support its growth, which is mainly export focused.

It said exports accounted for more than 75 per cent of its total sales.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said the announcement was great news for Mullingar and the surrounding region.

“A central part of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is creating a powerful engine of indigenous, export-focused companies. Manufacturing must be a particular focus as we seek to create the jobs we need.”