From May 4th – 6th 2014, 27 Irish companies travelled to Texas as part of a 2-day Enterprise Ireland trade mission, led by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD. Contracts worth a total of $14million and leading to the creation of 50 jobs in Ireland were among the initial, immediate results of the very successful programme in Austin and Houston.
“Among the 27 manufacturing, engineering and technology companies accompanying us this week are some truly brilliant companies, and the results announced today show what they are capable of achieving. Some of these are young companies who have grown rapidly to take advantage of the potential of the oil and gas sector – others are more established companies who have adapted their technologies to the opportunities offered by oil and gas”, said Minister Bruton.
“I commend Enterprise Ireland and our companies on their achievements, and wish them every success with their future growth in Texas. I look forward to seeing further results – in terms of increased jobs and exports for Ireland – from their development in the coming years”.
Over the course of the two days, 14 meetings and events attended by Minister Bruton, introductions were made, contacts developed and business relationships progressed from which significant increases in exports and jobs by Irish companies are targeted over the coming years.
Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland who accompanied Minister Bruton on the trade mission added: “A key element of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy is to grow indigenous Irish companies on a global scale. The announcements made by Irish companies during this trade mission clearly demonstrate the opportunities that exist for highly innovative and ambitious Irish companies in Texas and the wider Southern States of the US. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work closely with our client companies as they grow their international footprint and create much-needed jobs here in Ireland”.
Both the local communities and travelling delegates welcomed the news of a new Irish Consulate coming to Austin, Texas. Through the continuing work of Enterprise Ireland and a growing Irish presence in the Southern States, business relationships are fast developing in this region.
