Huge jobs boost for Inishowen

The recent much-welcomed jobs announcement for Burnfoot has been described by An Tanaiste Mary Coughlan as a prime example of how it “doesn’t matter where you are in the world, you can still have a company with an international reputation that services the market all over the world.” The Minister for Education and Skills was speaking as she officially announced the 3.6m euro research and development investment by E&I Engineering – a leading designer and manufacturer of electrical distribution an switchgear products – with support from Enterprise Ireland. The company already employs 249 people in Ireland and the investment will see the creation of 71 new skilled manufacturing roles at the company’s headquarters in Burnfoot over the next three years. Speaking at the announcement, An Tanaiste said she was “delighted” to be there and praised the company for their innovation, growth and development an for “grasping the opportunities that are there in the marketplace.” She added: “It is this commitment to research led growth that is at the heart of E&I’s success at designing innovative products that add value for customers leading to increasing export sales and securing jobs here at home. “This is great news for the North West and great news for Donegal.” Philip O’Doherty, founder and managing director of E&I Engineering, said as the company expanded over the next two years, they intended to focus on three major areas to ensure ongoing growth and success. “The first will be focused research and development activity, targeting both our existing sectors and the renewable energy sector. We also intend to expand our geographic sales into mainland Europe and the third focus will be on cost competitiveness, to be achieved through a lean manufacturing programme, which will allow us to continue to grow efficiently.” Senator Cecilia Keaveney called the news a very positive endorsement of the ability to do business in Inishowen.” “Philip O Doherty and the teams at Powerbar, Powerboard and E&I Engineering have to be commended on their initiative and drive. They have been innovative and versatile at this time when businesses are faced with many challenges.” “This is a good news day and I unequivocally welcome it and wish all involved well.” Donegal North East Fianna Fail TD Niall Blaney shared Senator Keaveney’s sentiments. He said: “This is great news. The creation of 71 jobs is very welcome and it is encouraging to see a company like E&I Engineering expanding to this degree. “I want to congratulate the company on its expansion. For a company that was only established in 2003 it has achieved significant success and I wish them well with their expansion plans.”