An Taoiseach Brian Cowen opens new Learning and Innovation Centre for Abtran in Cork
17 April, 2009
An Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. today (Friday 17th April 2009) announced that AxisBIC client Abtran, a leading Irish firm specialising in business process outsourcing services, is to invest €6m in research and development and create 250 graduate-level jobs by 2010. Abtran currently employs 600 people and recruitment for the new positions is commencing immediately.
The Taoiseach made the announcement as he officially opened Abtran’s new Learning & Innovation Centre. The Learning & Innovation Centre represents a collaboration with clients, Enterprise Ireland and universities to research new ways of delivering services to the public and customers of its client organisations.
An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen T.D. said:
“I am delighted to announce this significant investment in R&D by Abtran with the creation of 250 new high-value jobs by 2010. Abtran’s continuous investments in research and high quality resources have made the company deeply competitive.
“The further expansion of this successful Irish firm is based on the exceptional work which has been carried out to-date by management and staff. It is this constant focus on excellence and knowledge development that will contribute to Abtran’s further success in the years ahead.
“Apart from its steady growth at home, Abtran, with support from Enterprise Ireland, is winning business overseas, which provides a further economic boost in employment and monetary terms. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work directly with Abtran in this regard to support their continuing export success.
Abtran’s founder and Managing Director, Michael Fitzgerald commented:
“Abtran’s vision is to create a world class brand that builds on our success to date and continues to compete globally. Ireland is capable of competing and winning on the world stage and we have shown that there is an opportunity to develop this industry and establish Ireland as a destination for Business Process Outsourcing.
“The Learning and Innovation Centre will be at the heart of how we drive value for our customers. This investment is about creating smart, sustainable and scalable efficiencies which will transform the way that our clients do business and will allow us to compete at the highest level.
“Learning and Innovation is not just about technology, for Abtran it is all about people. By empowering and enabling our people we increase our expertise and add further value to our clients’ businesses, allowing their core staff to concentrate on their strategic objectives.
“Our growth plans for the future will be underpinned by our existing high quality of operations together with continued investment in technology and highly skilled personnel. Quite simply, people plus innovation equals better customer service and better value for money,” said Mr. Fitzgerald.
Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland Frank Ryan added:
“Internationally traded services is one of Ireland’s key growth sectors, offering substantial opportunities for Irish companies that focus on being innovators and leaders in their field.
“Abtran is a role model for other companies of how an indigenous service company can successfully internationalise and scale up its business through effective use of technology and innovation. Enterprise Ireland is delighted to be associated with and support this next exciting development phase of the company.”
