GIFT VOUCHER firm Smartbox is to set up a new international centre in Dublin which could create up to 70 jobs at the firm.

The IDA client company’s facility will cover strategy, project management, business to business, digital supply chain and IT. Smartbox also plans to expand its financial shared services centre in Dublin.

Already in the process of transferring its data centre here and recruiting for 50 jobs, the new operation has the potential to create a further 20 positions in the next 18 months.

Employing almost 1,000 people worldwide, Smartbox has been in Ireland since 2009, when it opened its facility in Swords.

“This operation has been highly successful and as a result of this Ireland will now play a major role in our plans to maintain industry leadership and expand geographically to build a dominant global presence,” chief operations officer Erwan Corre said.

The company, which supplies gift boxes with a voucher and a list of amenities against which the recipient can redeem it, said the move meant the Irish operation would be responsible for developing new technology platforms to be used for Smartbox’s global expansion. It intends to target overseas markets, and strengthen its online footprint.

Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton welcomed the announcement.

“A central part of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is developing and deepening the impact of multinational companies here and targeting high-growth sectors and companies which have the potential to create large numbers of jobs.

“Smartbox is one such company operating in one such sector and today’s [yesterday’s] announcement that this young company is expanding its operations here and substantially increasing its employment is great news and further evidence of what is possible in a stable Irish economy.”