US enterprise data flash storage firm Pure Storage is to double its workforce in Ireland with the opening of a new EMEA support centre in Dublin.

The facility is the Californian-headquartered company's first centre outside of the US. The investment is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.

The company, which enables deployment of flash storage in data centres, said it will employ 18 people initially with plans to take on a further 18 employees by the end of 2016. Hiring for the additional roles in already underway, Pure Storage said.

"The opening of the support centre is an important step in our global expansion. It ensures that Pure will continue to provide the best support experience possible for our customers and partners in the region across multiple languages, and will complement the work of our international teams in building our presence in the area," said Colin Mead, head of worldwide support at Pure Storage.