News Release -
Birr Technology Centre forges links with top Cork business people
To show it’s possible to work locally but operate globally
Denis Duggan, Manager of Shannon Development’s Birr Technology Centre, was in Cork recently (Thursday 13th March ‘08) to promote the Technology Park as a world-class business and technology locations and show that it is possible to work locally and operate globally.
Shannon Development organised a special business function for top Cork based companies and management representatives from banking, accounting, legal and venture capital companies. The event was designed to forge new business contacts for the Birr Technology Park and Shannon Development’s four other Knowledge Network business locations around the Shannon Region. Kevin Thompstone, chief executive Shannon Development and acclaimed businessman Barry O’ Sullivan General Manager of Vistakon Ireland, based at the National Technology Park, Limerick, were key speakers at the event.
“The Shannon Development Knowledge Network business locations have been carefully developed to provide a product offering that is unique in the context of Ireland, with world class infrastructure, ready-to-go business incubation and office accommodation, and direct links to 3rd level education. The presence of these key elements along with the strong lifestyle influences of each individual location is the feature that differentiates the Shannon Development Knowledge Network from other business locations nationally and internationally,” said Mr. Kevin Thompstone chief executive, Shannon Development.
Speaking at the event Barry O’ Sullivan of Vistakon shared his experience of how a company can operate globally from a Shannon Development Knowledge Network location. Vistakon Inc designs, manufactures and markets the ACUVUE® range of soft disposable contact lenses, the world’s number one brand.
Adivision of Johnson & Johnson, Vistakon Inc, employs over 600 people at Shannon Development’s National Technology Park in Limerick. Vistakon recently announced that it is to invest €100 million in a further expansion of its manufacturing operation. As a result of this Vistakon will create 60 new jobs this year in manufacturing, process development, engineering and quality areas.
In his address Mr. Thompstone spoke of how the advent of new technology and the world class support structure available at Birr Technology Centre and Shannon Development’s other Knowledge Network business locations, have made it easy for people to enjoy a better quality of life, while still operating in a global business environment.
“We made a conscious decision to promote our Knowledge Network of business locations and we are delighted with the response we have received. The Shannon Development Knowledge Network brings together three key elements - business, education and innovation to create dynamic and exciting world-class locations for living and working in the knowledge age. The Network have been designed to ensure that the Region can meet the needs of investors and enterprises in the Knowledge Age, and bring together world-class technology parks, business incubation facilities and third level institutions to create truly integrated business communities,” said Mr. Thompstone.
Pictured in Cork at the Shannon Development business briefings are (l-r); Anthony McCoy from McAfee Ireland Ltd., Joe Kerrigan, Birr based Director of Celtic Invoice Discounting Ltd, Denis Duggan, Shannon Development, Manager Birr Technology Centre, and Rita O’ Brien Sales & Marketing Director Celtic Invoice Discounting Ltd
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