A German industrial sensors producer, TR-Electronic GmbH, is establishing a software development centre in Cork, with the support of IDA Ireland. It will create 30 jobs over five years for graduates in computer science or with electronic/electrical backgrounds in software engineering.
Announcing the news the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Mary Harney TD, said: “TR’s choice of Cork for this investment was influenced by Ireland’s reputation as a world-leading location for software expertise. Other factors included the company’s perception that Cork had the right environment for this type of operation due to the presence of many high-tech companies in the area and the assistance provided by IDA Ireland.”
TR’s strategy is focused on high-value niche products where significant added value arises for the company. The new Cork Centre – TR Sensors Ireland Limited – will more than double TR’s software capabilities. It will develop customised software for TR’s range of industrial sensors, encoders and systems that are supplied to world markets. It has recently commenced operations in temporary premises at the Heritage Business Park in Mahon, while the company identifies a suitable long-term location.
TR-Electronic designs, develops, manufactures and markets a range of sensors and encoders for customers that have a need for precise measurement and control in sectors such as machine tool, industrial machinery, robotics, automated materials handling and process industries. The leading-edge technologies used include precision electro-mechanics, optical alignment and laser measurement.
TR’s products are designed on a modular basis for flexibility of use in a number of applications. The Cork operation will play a central role in the development of specific software that customises a product for the particular function. In addition, the growing trend for the integration of a number of functions into one device is giving rise to increased software complexity and it is anticipated that the Cork operation will have a key role in this work also.
Conor Healy, IDA Ireland’s manager for the southwest tegion, welcomed the announcement, saying, “The decision by TR Electronic to establish this centre in Cork is significant in that it highlights the attractiveness of Cork as a location for high-quality projects which utilise the high level of skills and capability in the region. Key to the decision was the presence of other highly successful software operations and the quality of available graduates.”
TR employs 300 people worldwide and has representation in 27 countries, including nine wholly owned sales subsidiaries.
By Brian Skelly
