Construction company Framespace has announced plans to hire 150 new staff as it opens a new manufacturing facility in Longford.
The company, which manufactures metal housing systems for the rapid-build construction sector, also said it plans to double output over the next three years, building over 1,000 residential units.
It has invested €8 million in the refurbishment of the former Cameron Willis engineering works in the midlands town.
The 120,000sq ft facility will initially allow Framespace to deliver 550 residential units per year, with the company expecting adoption of offsite (or modular) housing to grow as housing completions rise to meet the Government’s social and affordable housing targets.
Framespace, which already employs 100 staff, said it plans to double output over the next three years, with a target output of about one million square feet by 2025, equating to in excess of 1,000 residential units.
The company said it plans to grow to over 250 staff over the next two years, and is currently actively hiring for roles in design and engineering, along with general operative and semi-skilled positions .
Declan Murtagh, chief executive of Framespace Solutions, said: "We all know Ireland has a housing crisis, and offsite housing provides a solution that will help accelerate delivery of new homes as its adoption increases. We are proud to be opening the factory here in Longford today.
“The initial investment programme has provided us with the capacity to deliver over 500 new homes a year. During the next phase of our growth we plan to add a further 150 people to our workforce with the aim of doubling our production levels by 2025.”
Welcoming the news, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Robert Troy said: "Framespace is already a regionally significant company and a key stakeholder in the construction sector with strong export ambitions, and the news of its expansion in Longford is very welcome.
“Framespace Solutions will play a pivotal role in the delivery of the Government’s Housing for All strategy by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional forms of construction.”
