An increased amount of jobs than originally forecast are to be created in Shannon as part of the development of a new manufacturing site.
The Clare Echo was the first to report in March of this year that up to sixty jobs would be made as Universal Display Corporation (UDC) and PPG jointly establish a manufacturing site. It is to be located at what was formerly the Avara pharmaceuticals plant and will produce energy-efficient, high-performing materials for the LED light market demand.
On Thursday, the companies confirmed they were embarking on a multi-million euro capital investment which they said would create up to 100 high-tech jobs in Shannon. The facility aims to broaden the global footprint and increase the production of Universal Display Corporation’s (UDC) energy-efficient, high-performing UniversalPHOLED® materials to meet growing organic light emitting diode (OLED) market demand and evolving industry requirements.
Director of OLED Material Manufacturing Limited, Austin McCabe said they were “excited about the new Shannon facility”. He outlined, “Together with our long-term partner, PPG, this multi-million-euro investment will expand the global manufacturing footprint for UDC’s proprietary state-of-the-art phosphorescent emissive materials to meet the substantial growth forecasted for the OLED market”.
PPG Plant Manager, Gerry Cahill was confident the project would bring “a broad spectrum” of jobs to the Mid-West. “The expansion into Ireland with the addition of the Shannon facility shows confidence in not only the UDC-PPG partnership but also in Ireland as a place in which to invest and do business,” he stated.
CEO of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes was pleased to see a technology of the future breathing new life into Shannon. “The significance of a decision of this nature is manifold. Not only does it bring new investment to Shannon but it provides opportunities at a much wider level, through the delivery of high-calibre employment and the attraction of new skills in a technology-driven sector”.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) felt the economic difficulties of this year and last emphasised the importance of the investment, “The Shannon area is the jewel in the Midwest region’s crown and is one of the main drivers for investment and employment here”. Deputy Crowe added, “It goes without saying that having the presence of an international airport just beside these facilities is a major plus for any firm looking to the Midwest region. This is among many reasons as to why we need to ensure continued investment for Shannon Airport”.
Addition of extra jobs to Shannon represented a huge boost to the region, Deputy Joe Carey (FG) flagged. “This is excellent news for Clare and the mid-west and comes following a very testing period for the regional and national economy”.
