Irish green tech company SolarPrint is to create 80 jobs in Dublin, it was revealed today.
The jobs were announced by Minister for Employment Batt O’Keeffe today as he opened the company’s Dublin headquarters.
The company, which specialises in the development of technology used to convert light to energy, expects to bring its staff numbers from 20 to 100 by the end of next year.
Established in 2008, SolarPrint intends to open its first high volume manufacturing line next year in Dublin.
The new roles are highly skilled positions and will be split between engineering personnel and research and development staff. Candidates will have chemistry, electrical engineering, physics and material sciences qualifications. There will also be commercial and financial roles created as part of the firm’s expansion plans.
Recruitment has already begun for the positions.
”Ireland is now recognised internationally as a top incubator for product innovation, ” Mr O’Keeffe said. “SolarPrint's ambitious expansion plans demonstrate that we have the right mix of pro-business taxation policies, high-potential enterprise supports and talented workforce to enable firms to create products and services for worldwide consumption."
SolarPrint chief executive Dr Mazhar Baris said the announcement was the latest stage in the company’s evolution from start-up firm to established enterprise, and would benefit the country's economy.
“This recruitment drive will be a significant shot in the arm for the post-graduate research sector in Ireland and will help to position Ireland as a viable knowledge centre in the field of photovoltaic technology,” he said.
The company recently signed an agreement with car maker Fiat to help develop solar panels that can be incorporated into the roof surface of cars. The “smart roof” will include solar cells and lithium batteries that can be used to power on-board devices in cars.
Separately, fashion retailer Pennys said its new store in Killarney would create 89 jobs.
The store, which opened today, will employ a total of 115 people, with 26 staff members transferring from the town’s former store to the 31,500 square foot premises.
Pennys, which operated as Primark in the UK and the rest of Europe, has 38 stores in Ireland. The group has opened eight new stores in the financial year to date, and has relocated three stores. It is also planning a further 15 stores before the end of the year, with nine in UK, two in Spain, two in Gran Canaria, one in Germany and one in Holland.
