A Cork business process outsourcing (BPO) firm said today that it is to invest €1.5m in its research and development (R&D) and professional services divisions, resulting in 50 new jobs over the next three years.
Abtran, which already employs 250 people, provides BPO services to corporate clients in Ireland and worldwide.
“The expansion that we are investing in will allow our company to capitalise on opportunities in the growing market for BPO throughout the world,” explained Abtran managing director Michael Fitzgerald. “As an innovative and competitive firm, we see further business expansion taking place among clients in Ireland, Europe and the US. Our growth plans for the future will be underpinned by continued investment in sophisticated technology and processes and highly skilled personnel.”
The new jobs will require graduates in areas such as R&D, business analysis and software development, with recruitment taking place over the next 12 months.
The jobs were announced this morning by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin TD, who commented: “The overall high quality of the operation that has been achieved by Abtran is second to none worldwide. The expansion of this highly successful Irish firm is a logical step based on strategic market research and the exceptional work that has been carried out to date by management and staff. It is deeply encouraging to see an indigenous enterprise grow in this manner.”
The company said the expansion was made possible through a proven track record of quality and innovation in the BPO field. It is working closely with Enterprise Ireland (EI) to open up new markets overseas. EI chief executive Frank Ryan explained: “Growing the number of indigenous firms such as Abtran in the high-value internationally traded services sector is a major focus of EI’s 2005-2007 Strategy — Transforming Irish Industry.
He continued: “EI is working with Abtran to explore international market opportunities and has to date provided the company with funding for R&D through our Research Technology and Innovation fund. This funding has facilitated the growth of the company’s R&D department and its positioning as a strategic part of the business.”
By John Kennedy
