US data storage technology specialist Qlogic will create 100 jobs in the Republic by opening a base here to serve customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

The California-based group is opening a facility in Blanchardstown, Dublin. It will manufacture, customise and deliver products to customers and resellers in the EMEA region.

Qlogic manufactures components and equipment used by companies like Dell, Cisco Systems, IBM and EMC in storage networks.

The Irish operation will create up to 100 jobs over the next five years.

It will ultimately take over responsibility for sales, marketing, logistics and accounting for the EMEA region.

Qlogic believes that its Irish base will speed up delivery to its customers in the region.

It will also focus on providing specifically tailored products for its clients, according to director of Irish operations, Shane Creegan.

"When customers submit orders, we'll be able to configure on demand and fulfil orders in a matter of days or even hours, instead of weeks," said Mr Creegan.

In the year ended April 3rd, Qlogic had sales of $572 million (€466 million) and net profits of $156.7 million, or $1.68 per share.

Revenues were up 9 per cent on the previous year while profits increased 18 per cent.

State development agency IDA Ireland is supporting its move to the Republic. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, said the company was a welcome addition to a growing group of storage technology companies already located in the country.

"The decision to locate its EMEA headquarters here is a strong indicator of Ireland's continued attraction as a base for cutting edge information technology companies, and of our ability to support their knowledge intensive activities," he said.