Marketing and promotional company National Pen is to create 200 jobs in Dundalk, it was announced today.

The positions will be created over the next five years, the company said, bringing its workforce to 459 by the end of 2017. The new positions will be in sales, customer services, manufacturing, technical and administrative functions.

One of the major employers in the area, National Pen markets and manufactures promotional products. Its international headquarters is located in Dundalk, serving 19 markets outside North America. The company has been located in Dundalk for more than 25 years, opening its doors in 1987.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the jobs boost was “fantastic news” for Dundalk and the surrounding area, demonstrating the company’s commitment to Ireland.

Peter Kelly, senior vice president of National Pen said "We celebrated 25 years of business in Dundalk last year and moved to a new custom designed facility to accommodate the growth of our international business and the demand for our products.

“Ireland is a great location from which to service our global markets,” Mr Kelly said.