Kerry tech firms forecast jobs growth this year and next

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Donal O'Donovan

COMPANIES in Kerry’s science, technology and engineering sectors expect to add over 180 new jobs this year, with positive indications for similar growth in 2020.

The Kerry ‘Sci-Tech’ cluster includes a mix of Irish companies such as Fexco, Dairymaster, TriCel and Aspen Grove Solutions alongside the operations of multinationals including JRI America, Astellas and Liebherr.

A survey of members published by Kerry SciTech found the sector as a whole will add jobs in the coming year, and that’s forecast to continue into 2020.

Among the companies already recruiting is Tralee-based JRI America, which has been here since 2012 and employs close to 100 people.

The firm is part of a specialist IT subsidiary of Japanese banking giant Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and is currently hiring QA Engineers, systems engineers and a number of cybersecurity-related positions including threat analysts in Tralee.

Irish-owned agricultural products maker Dairymaster will also expand its workforce – adding 50 new positions at its headquarters in Causeway, Co Kerry.

Dairymaster CEO Professor Edmond Harty said:

“Developing and manufacturing technological solutions which optimise efficiency in agriculture around the globe is at the heart of what we do.

“Mechanical engineering, electronics, software, technical services, installation, sales and marketing are key roles within our business.”

Kerry SciTech, founded in 2016, is an industry network of science, technology and engineering companies in the region.

They are seeking to highlight the strength of the sector, promote opportunities, foster collaboration and address common challenges such as talent sourcing. Public sector partners include Kerry County Council, IT Tralee, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Kerry LEO and Kerry ETB.