Minister Micheál Martin TD Announces Significant R&D Investment for EMC's Operations in Cork

25 July, 2008

EMC Corporation Global IT Leader to Invest €20M in R&D at its Campus in Ovens, Co Cork.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD today (Thursday, 24th July 2008) announced that EMC Corporation will invest €20m in research and development activities over the next five years, creating up to 50 new engineering positions at its campus in Ovens, Co Cork with the support of IDA Ireland. The R&D investment and related new engineering positions will initially focus on software development for EMC’s industry-leading storage systems and resource management software products.

EMC Corporation, the world leader in information infrastructure solutions, established its first manufacturing facility outside of North America in Ovens, Co. Cork in 1988 to manufacture and distribute EMC products to its global customers outside of North America.  EMC’s operations in Cork have grown substantially over the years.  The Cork campus currently employs 1,600 professionals, 90% of whom hold third-level qualifications, working in one of EMC’s most diversified facilities outside of the United States. Alongside its manufacturing operations, the EMC campus now hosts a broad cross-section of functions including International Customer Support, Sales, Executive Briefing Centre for Customers, Technical Solutions and International Finance. 

Speaking at today’s announcement Minister Micheál Martin said, “As a global leader in the IT industry with substantial investment and high value employment in Ireland, EMC is a key reference site for IDA in selling Ireland’s value proposition to other IT companies looking to invest here. EMC’s decision to make this R&D investment is a very significant commitment to Cork.  The proposed up-skilling will strengthen the Oven’s Campus position to effectively compete for a broader range of future technologies within EMC, as this technical expertise develops and is enhanced on-site.” 

“Investment in Research Development & Innovation is at the centre of the Government’s policy for economic growth and this is excellent news from a highly innovative company. EMC continues to show major commitment to its Irish operations and this top-class investment and expansion is highly significant for the Campus and also for Ireland as we transform into an innovation-led economy.  I congratulate the management and workforce in Co. Cork for this outcome.  The new engineering function will help the Ovens facility to maintain its strategic position within EMC aligned with their corporate R&D activities,” concluded Minister Martin.

Bob Savage, EMC’s Vice President of Cork, Ireland Operations said, “This new investment will help EMC continue to develop products that have significant local and global market demand. The decision to make this R&D investment in Cork is in no small part due to the positive business experience EMC has had in Ireland since the establishment of its manufacturing facility in 1988, coupled with the quality and commitment of our workforce and the support of IDA Ireland and the Irish Government.  As our business continues to grow globally, we are confident that the support requirements of our international customers will be met by our talented team in Cork, the decision to expand our operation here is both timely and correct for EMC at this juncture.”

About EMC:
EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) is the world’s leading developer and provider of information infrastructure technology and solutions that enable organizations of all sizes to transform the way they compete and create value from their information. Information about EMC’s products and services can be found at www.EMC.com.