The full support of the Government will be given to Valeo to further grow operations in Ireland, vowed Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation, John Perry, who was in Tuam this week for the official opening of Valeo Vision System’s expanded facility.
Minister Perry made the promise of continued support yesterday at the official opening ceremony of the expanded Valeo Vision System facility on the Dunmore Road in Tuam. Valeo Vision Systems, which is part of the Valeo Group, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, designs and manufactures multi camera systems for the automotive industry and employs 460 at the Tuam facility, of whom 150 are in research and development. It was originally established in 1982 as Connaught Electronics Ltd as a manufacturer of automotive security products, but then later diversified into camera systems and was acquired in 2007 by Valeo. Another step was taken in January of this year when the company announced the investment of €17 million for a major expansion and research and development programme and the promise of the creation of 100 new highly skilled jobs.
Speaking at the new facility, Minister Perry said: “I am delighted to be here today [Wednesday] to open this exciting new expansion facility. Valeo Visions Systems has been here, in Tuam, since 2007 and over that period has forged strong ties not only with the local community but also with the region due to its collaboration with NUI Galway’s Connacht Automotive Research (CAR ) Group, an exciting collaboration that is of benefit to both the company and CAR. I would like to offer the full support of the Irish Government to Valeo in this endeavour as it continues to develop and manufacture its cutting-edge products and grow its operations here.”
Valeo Vision Systems has so far recruited 60 per cent of the additional 100 engineering roles that are part of the 2011 research and development growth plans, according to product line director Fergus Moyles, who added that the expansion is “a milestone in providing the infrastructure to support our leading position in vision technology globally”. He added that the company is “very proud of the centre of excellence we have created in Ireland and look forward to continued growth”.
Barry O’Leary, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: “Valeo Vision Systems is an excellent example of a company that continues to undergo significant transformation. Transformation of this nature further embeds company operations and is of the utmost importance to their continued success in Ireland as outlined in the Agency’s strategy Horizon 2020. Today’s opening combines research and development and high-end manufacturing, which are both key target activities for IDA Ireland. I would like to wish Valeo Vision Systems every success with this expansion and offer the continued support of IDA Ireland into the future.”
