The Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD has announced a €1m investment programme at a Co Offaly firm that produces controlling systems for emergency vehicles, which will see the company create up to 30 high-value jobs over the next two years, bringing total employment to more than 50.
This investment programme at Automatic Technology Systems and Research (ATSR), which is being supported by Government through Enterprise Ireland, will see the company expanding its R&D and manufacturing operations in Ireland and its strategic sales and marketing activity in North American markets.
The announcement was made at an event today where the Taoiseach formally opened the ATSR headquarters in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
“This is a company that has grown year on year since its establishment in 2006. It is following a focussed international growth strategy and its success in winning new business confirms its growing international reputation as a leading supplier in their field,” the Taoiseach said.
“This new investment programme is a very significant development that will drive their next phase of export-led growth. This is an example of an indigenous, expanding, export-driven company employing highly skilled people and contributing so much to the region and to Tullamore.”
“Today’s event marks the continued growth of ATSR and its reputation internationally as a leading supplier in its field. The company has already had particular success in securing contracts with Mitsubishi/Wilker on an Irish Army contract, SECAMB – NHS and Tri-Star Canada. We have established a presence in Toronto with incubator facilities in Enterprise Ireland’s Toronto office, and this foothold in North America has helped us significantly increase our business there,” said ATSR CEO Eric Gallagher.
ATSR was set up in 2006 by Eric Gallagher and Denis O’Dwyer and develops and produces controlling systems for emergency vehicles including ambulances, fire engines and police cars.
Typical customers of ATSR include manufacturers and fleet managers of emergency vehicles, which can range from the public sector to large blue-chip ambulance manufacturers.
The company has grown year on year since start-up, winning business both domestically and internationally, most notably in the US, Canadian and UK markets.
ATSR’s R&D plan includes the development of the next generation of its Automatic Vehicle Logging (AVL) interface, which allows emergency fleet operators to remotely diagnose faults and measure driver efficiency.
By Jennifer Yau
Photo: A a €1m investment programme at Automatic Technology Systems and Research (ATSR) is to create more than 30 jobs over the next two years.
