Tesco Ireland are to create 300 jobs at a new €70m distribution centre at Donabate, in North County Dublin, as the retail giant expands into more non food ranges.
The centre will open in April 2007 will employ 600 people. Apart from the 300 new jobs, 200 staff at depots at Parkwest and Ballymount will be offered a transfer, and 100 employees will move from Tesco's Ballycoolin distribution centre.
Tesco said the centre will manage and distribute all packaged and processed grocery, and some non food products for Tesco's 94 stores.
Tony Keohane, CEO of Tesco Ireland, said recruitment for the 300 new jobs will start immediately, and that the move reflects the growth of Tesco's business and the expansion into more non food ranges.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin, said the creation of jobs in North Dublin was a welcome development.
'These new jobs will boost employment in the area but will also introduce more cutting edge distribution practices to the sector in the country, enhancing efficiencies and capabilities and bringing competitive prices to consumers. It will hopefully lead the way for all in the retail sector.'
At present all Tesco stores are supported by five distribution centres in the Dublin area. Following the opening of the Donabate facility the network will feature three major centres: Donabate, Ballymun and Tallaght. The activities undertaken at Ballycoolin, Parkwest and Ballymount will move to the new depot at Donabate.
Tesco employs 12,500 people in Ireland and has 94 stores here. The company's core food retail business has expanded to include clothing, household, entertainment and other non-food ranges.
