Valeo Vision Systems, part of one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, has announced that it intends to continue its expansion in Tuam, Co. Galway with the creation of up to 140 permanent jobs in R&D and Operations across 2014 and 2015.
The investment is well underway and is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland. The Tuam plant has also just been granted planning permission for an extension. County planners have approved the expansion at Dunmore Road in Tuam.
This announcement by Valeo Vision Systems would bring the total employed at the facility to almost 750 permanent jobs. This growth is to meet continued automotive customer demand and to further develop next generation vision systems for Valeo’s global market. Valeo plays a leading research role in vision systems with 350 people employed in its dedicated R&D centre.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD said "Manufacturing is a key sector we have targeted in our Action Plan for Jobs. Over the past decade some people wrongly assumed that Ireland did not have a future in manufacturing and the sector suffered from some neglect – but in recent years we have provided new supports for the sector and have seen the benefits. Today’s great announcement by Valeo is a great example of what can be achieved in this sector. Here is a world-leading company, carrying out R&D in a regional town, developing cutting edge new systems and processes, and creating large numbers of high-end manufacturing jobs as a result. I congratulate Valeo on this major jobs boost, and look forward to working with them in the future”.
Commenting on the VVS expansion, Fergus Moyles Director, Valeo Vision Systems said: "This investment is a result of the market response to our innovative products and reflects the continued and growing demand in Driving Assistance vision systems”.
Welcoming the announcement, Martin Shanahan, CEO IDA Ireland said: "Valeo Vision Systems is an excellent example of a company that continues to undergo significant transformation in Ireland. Valeo’s decision to expand its workforce by a further 140 people is great news for the West Region and for Ireland, creating top-level career opportunities in Tuam and Galway. I would like to offer Valeo the continued support of IDA in implementing their plans in Galway.”