AlliedSignal, the aerospace manufacturer, yesterday confirmed it would create 175 jobs at its Waterford plant. The jobs were announced by the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, who said she was committed to bringing high quality employment to Waterford. "In the past 14 months I have announced over 1,550 jobs for the county, involving eight projects," she said.
The jobs, which are backed by IDA Ireland, will be created at AlliedSignal's aerospace airfoil plant over five years. It will entail a £22.8 million expansion of the facility. More than 100 of the positions will be recruited for over the next three years.
Ms Harney said that AlliedSignal had designated the facility as its "centre of excellence" for all turbine engine, cold section, components as part of a global restructuring. She said the investment underpins AlliedSignal's commitment to Waterford's long term future as it transforms "from a manufacturing site into an autonomous strategic global manufacturing operation with full design responsibility for its range of products".
The investment includes a £1 million training fund for staff and a move to increasing staff qualifications. Currently two-thirds of the 143-strong workforce have third level qualifications.
AlliedSignal is one of the top ten aerospace industry companies. Its particular focus is on the regional and business aircraft sectors where is ranked number two in the world. Its engines are used by many of the leading jet manufacturers including Bombardier and Cessna. Clients include Aer Lingus Commuter, Lufthansa and KLM.
The Waterford facility was established in 1986.
