Online retailer Amazon has announced the creation of 450 new jobs in Cork. The company is to locate at the Airport Business Park and create high quality employment for people with multi-lingual skills.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin made the announcement from Seattle, where he is meeting with several state-side companies.
Supported by IDA Ireland, the investment will provide support for the company's UK and French web sites. In addition, the new facility will offer additional support for the company's German web site during peak periods.
It is thought that Cork beat off competition from Glasgow and Dublin for the new jobs.
Minister Martin said a year ago when Amazon decided to establish its European Systems and Networks Operations Centre in Dublin there was hope that the company would decide to invest further in Ireland and that today's announcement is the realisation of that hope.
The Minister added that Amazon's decision to locate in Cork will enhance Ireland's reputation as a base for the most sophisticated global digital media companies.
'Cork offers Amazon the ability to provide our customers with multi-lingual support, something that is critically important as we continue to grow our business', said Jim Adkins, director of European customer service for Amazon.com.
He added that the company received 'tremendous' support from IDA Ireland.
Also in the Minister's constituency 1,100 jobs were recently confirmed by bio-pharmaceutical firm Amgen, and 250 jobs at financial services firm CITCO.
Amazon, headquartered in Seattle, is one of the largest online retailers in the world, with revenues of more than $8.4 billion in 2005.
The company sells a wide variety of consumer products such as CDs, DVDs, videos, books, electronic devices, mobile phones, clothing, accessories, toys, computer equipment, health products, tools, kitchenware, and home furnishings.
Last month Amazon reported fourth quarter net profit of $199m, down from $346.7m a year earlier. Sales rose 17% to $2.98 billion from $2.54 billion a year earlier.
