Hewlett-Packard will create up to 185 new jobs at its Irish operations over the next two years following the opening of its European media manufacturing and customisation centre (EMMAC) at its Leixlip plant.

The company has invested $14.5 million (€15.3 million) in the centre, which will provide solutions for customers' imaging and printing needs. It will customise small-format speciality papers used for brochures, greeting cards and digital photography.

Around 75 jobs will be created this year at the centre, with a further 110 jobs expected in 2003.

The total media manufacturing and customisation business is worth around $22 billion worldwide, of which Hewlett Packard holds just a 3 per cent share. The company aims to double this in the next few years.

Hewlett-Packard Manufacturing general manager for Ireland, Mr Lionel Alexander, said the investment was very important to the company's existing inkjet manufacturing business in Ireland, and securing the investment was testament to the skills and quality available in Ireland.

"The new media business reinforces Hewlett-Packard's long-term strategy in continuing to develop our business in Ireland," he said.

"The media business is very critical to the growth of the inkjet business. By starting the media business here in Leixlip, we are putting in a business that's showing significant potential growth for the future.

"The world is changing dramatically. Digital imaging is becoming a way of life and, as people become more comfortable with it, the 3 per cent we have of the take becomes a small part of a larger pie and we have great potential of growing this market."

IDA Ireland chief executive Mr Sean Dorgan, who officially opened the new centre, said it strengthened the company's position in Ireland. "It broadens the base of activities on the campus which is not just manufacturing. Hewlett-Packard also has a bank operating here to finance its operations globally.

"It is strengthening what is here and it is taking Hewlett-Packard into an area where it has hugely ambitious plans," he said.

Hewlett-Packard now employs 4,000 people in Ireland, following the merger between the company and Compaq. It is still unclear if the merger will impact on the Irish operations.

"At this point in time, there has been no communication or anything said about Ireland," said Mr Alexander.