Cork-based network technology services company the Merchants Group (Ireland) is set to double its workforce by hiring 200 new employees by the end of the year.
Speaking at the official opening of a 33,000 sq ft Pan-European contact centre yesterday, general manager Mr John Drury said Cork was the best location from which to serve its European clients.
"The calibre of people coming from local schools and universities is second-to-none. It is also a city that is very attractive for other Europeans. These are some of the reasons why the IDA was able to attract Merchants to Cork."
The Merchants Group is the longest-established call centre company in the UK and has pioneered tele-business since 1981. Its client-base focuses on major blue-chip organisations across a range of industry sectors. It manages international outsourced operations covering 43 countries with capability in more than 25 languages.
Merchants is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dimension Data Holdings and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
The new centre in the Cork Business and Technology Park in Bishopstown was opened by golfer Darren Clarke who is sponsored by Merchants' parent company, Dimension Data.
