Manufacturers' Services, the company founded by Wicklow-born Mr Kevin Melia, has acquired 3Com's Salt Lake City manufacturing operation for an undisclosed sum. Under the agreement, the company, which employs more than 300 people at its Athlone facility, will retain all of 3Com's 550 employees affiliated with the Utah operation.

A spokesman said the acquisition would have no impact on Manufacturers' Services jobs in Ireland.