Japanese electronics manufacturer SMK Corporation has set up its European HQ in Dublin, bringing an initial seven jobs to the Irish capital, with further expansion expected over the next few years.
SMK produces a wide range of products for the electronics sector, including connectors and switches, remote control units and touchscreens.
Its European arm will coordinate all design and sales operations in the area, and the HQ will be based in Northwood Business Park and overseen by Paul Evans.
“We considered a number of locations for our new European HQ, including Germany, England and the Netherlands,” said Evans.
“We chose Ireland because of the availability of highly-skilled professionals and the business-friendly environment. ConnectIreland’s support enabled us to establish our new European HQ in Dublin far more quickly than we could have in any other location we considered.
“We expect to create seven jobs in Dublin in the first year and, given the rapid growth of our business in Europe, we expect our Dublin HQ to play a central role in our expansion over the next 10 years. As our business in Europe grows, Dublin can expect to benefit from that growth”.
The growing thirst for devices like tablets and smartphones has seen demand for SMK products surge, as well as the burgeoning area of electronic content in cars.
Michael McLoughlin, ConnectIreland CEO, said: “We are delighted that as SMK Corporation celebrates 90 years in business this year it has chosen Ireland as a strategic centre for its next phase of growth in Europe.
“The creation of seven financial and general management positions in the coming 12 months is very welcome. We are delighted to have worked with SMK and wish it every success in Ireland as it continues to expand its workforce to 11 over the coming three years.”
Pictured (l-r) ConnectIreland’s Michael McLoughlin, IDA’s Emer Cusack, Richard Bruton, Minister for Jobs, and SMK’s Paul Evans.
Tablets image, via Shutterstock
