Technology firm AMPAC-ISP, which makes components for the aerospace industry, has established its European headquarters in Ballycoolin, Dublin.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe TD, today launched the technology development and manufacturing centre that employs 30 people in Dublin and a further 65 throughout Europe.
AMPAC-ISP (in-space propulsion) develops, manufactures and assembles components for rocket engines at the €1m Space Technology Centre in Ballycoolin and has a large-scale “clean room” for this purpose.
Captain William F Readdy, former associate administrator of the Office of Space Flight at NASA and retired NASA astronaut with 672 hours in space over three flights, attended the launch.
“Irish technology companies have a real opportunity to develop lucrative export-led business opportunities in the space sector that will boost their own growth prospects leading to more high-quality jobs for Ireland,” said David Gibbons, managing director of AMPAC-ISP Europe.
“AMPAC-ISP’s decision to hub in Ireland demonstrates the esteem in which our high-tech graduates are held by major global players and it underscores the pro-business environment this Government has cultivated to attract foreign direct investments,” said O’Keeffe.
He added that the Government is investing €14.5m annually in the European Space Agency.
By Marie Boran
