Siemens, the electrical and electronics company, is establishing a European call centre at Penrose Wharf in Cork. The facility, which already employs 20 people and is in the process of recruiting a further 130, is the first international services project undertaken by Siemens in Ireland.

The centre will provide a range of online services to support Siemens communication devices (mobile, cordless, and fixed phones) as well as PC-based telephony and personal information and communication devices. The centre will also support Siemens electronic commerce initiatives in the information and communication products market.

Eventually, 24-hour, 365-days-a-year, local language support will be offered to Siemens customers from 18 European countries. The project won out against other Siemens locations including Germany, the Netherlands and Britain.