EASTMAN Kodak, the photographic products manufacturer, is expected to announce a further 350 jobs for Cork when its new plant in Youghal is officially opened next Monday. It will bring the proposed workforce at the plant to 600, more than twice the number originally envisaged.
The company will make CDROMs suitable for photographs, document images and video motion.
Sources close to the negotiations said last night the plant would employ around 600 people.
Eastman Kodak is said to have been very impressed with the calibre of the workforce and the ease with which the operation has progressed to date. "They also timed the project perfectly, as there has been a huge uplift in demand for CD ROM products," said a source.
The company's original projection was to have 160 people in place by the end of 1996, rising to 250 by the end of this year. The plant is currently employing approximately 200 people.
The original investment, backed by IDA Ireland, was to cost £18 million. It is understood the current expansion will bring investment to over £30 million.
"It is a very capital intensive business," one source said.
Next week's opening will be performed by the Minister for Enterprise and Employment Mr Bruton. It is believed that Cabinet approval for the extension to the project was given this week.
Last month Eastman Kodak announced plans to invest £100 million in a separate plant in Limerick's national technological park, which will create 400 jobs.
The company will make film cassettes for its latest Advanced Photo System (APS). The company will be recruiting 100 people over the next six months, rising to 400 in four years.
