One hundred new jobs are expected to be created at the Republic's onlyceramic tile maker over the next three years as the building boom fuels a surge in demand.

VitrA Tiles is set to double the size of its Arklow, Co Wicklow, factory to keep pace with the growing market, said the general manager of the Irish operation, Mr Robert Hickson.

The Turkish-owned company yesterday announced an €8 million automated plant for Arklow, which will increase the workforce to 110 from 80 over the short-term.

But with demand still outpacing supply, wider expansion is planned by 2007, said Mr Hickson.

As capacity grows, VitrA expects to raise turnover in the Republic to €20.8 million for 2005 from a €16.6 million 2004 target, while increasing market share from 5 per cent to 8 per cent.

"We are still running behind capacity and will be looking to double the size of our facility over the next three years," said Mr Hickson.

The plant is currently producing 1.1 million square metres of tile annually, although it sells 1.7 million. The shortfall is imported from the firm's parent factory in Turkey.

The Turkish firm is owned by Eczacibasi Holding, one of Turkey's leading private-sector players. Its influence was underscored by the presence at the expansion announcement in Arklow of Turkey's foreign minister, Mr Abdullah Gul.

VitrA also plans an ambitious drive in Britain, where it aims to raise market share from 1.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent.

The Arklow venture was established in 1998 as a joint venture with ceramics manufacturer Qualceram and has attracted investment of €16.6 million to date.