US technology firm NEI is to create 50 jobs in Galway with the establishment of a manufacturing facility and technology support centre.

The company, which provides purpose-built platforms, appliances and support services for application software developers and equipment manufacturers worldwide, said it had already begun recruiting for the positions.

“The Ireland facility is part of NEI’s growth strategy and expansion into Europe,” said Greg Shortell, chief executive of NEI. “Ireland offers a great place from which to do business with its ease of access to Europe, an increasingly competitive environment and a highly skilled and talented workforce."

The investment in the new facility is being supported by IDA Ireland.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said the announcement was a boost for the region and the economy as a whole.

“If we are going to get through our difficulties, and if we are going to retain and create large numbers of skilled jobs, we will have to build on our strengths as a destination for foreign direct investment," he said. "Today’s announcement shows that our traditional strengths are still there."

Mr Bruton said the Government was developing plans to ensure Ireland's competitiveness would become a major selling point, increase the workforce's skill level and support business.

NEI employs about 250 people worldwide.

Elsewhere, delivery business Nightline is to take on 50 staff in a €5.5 million expansion of its Dublin base. The company said its Irish headquarters would increase in size by about 40 per cent.

“We are performing very strongly, especially given the current economic climate in Ireland, in particular," said Nightline chief executive John Tuohy. "That we are able to press on with our physical and business growth illustrates our confidence.”

No date has been set for the six-month construction project to begin.