US manufacturer to create 100 jobs in Cork

A US firm which produces engineered process equipment for biopharmaceutical manufacturing has announced plans to create 100 new jobs over the next two years at a new facility in Fermoy, Co Cork.

ABEC will operate from the former FCI facility which occupies 13 acres of land on the outskirts of the town. Refurbishment works on the facility are underway and recruitment is also due to commence in the coming weeks.

Speaking on a visit to Fermoy yesterday the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton said engineering and manufacturing companies form a key part of the Government’s action plan for jobs.

“Here is a company deciding to invest in a regional area of high unemployment, in a facility left vacant in a devastating 2007 job loss announcement - a great example of what we are trying to achieve with our jobs plan.”

Fianna Fáil Fermoy councillor, Frank O’Flynn, said the jobs announcement was great news for Fermoy and the surrounding areas.

“We have a young and flexible work force here and we will now be able to keep more people in the area. It also opens up the possibility for future investment.”

ABEC’s CEO Scott Pickering said the investment is a key component of ABEC’s broader strategy to deliver integrated process solutions on a global basis.

“The Fermoy facility will increase our capacity and allow us to better support our growing customer base in Ireland and Europe. We sincerely appreciate the support of the IDA as we establish our unique capabilities in Ireland.”

IDA CEO Martin Shanahan said ABEC explored various locations throughout Europe to identify the right property solution for its needs, one which would position the company’s future expansion in the European market.

“ABEC’s location in Fermoy followed an extensive national property search which IDA was heavily involved in and happy to assist with. I am delighted that it has culminated in this news today that the company is to set up in Fermoy with the provision of 100 jobs. I wish them every success in the future.”

Adrian Godwin, chairman of the Fermoy Business Action Group, stressed that the jobs would make a huge difference to the area and have a knock-on impact to other local businesses.

ABEC Inc of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a privately held company serving the global biopharmaceutical industry. It has been in operation for over forty years.

The new facility in Fermoy will provide a range of service offerings to meet the growing demand from global pharmaceutical and biotech customers. The investment is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.