The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
LOGISTICS company DB Schenker have started a new €10 million development at Shannon Free Zone East.
It is taking place on a 5.2 acre site owned by Shannon Commercial Properties, and the facility will be 52,000 square feet in size, to support their multi national customer base.
DB Schenker, who already have an operation at Smithstown, have secured a 5.2-acre site for the project from Shannon Commercial Properties, a Shannon Group company.
Congratulating DB Schenker, the latest company to establish a base at Shannon Free Zone, Mary Considine, CEO, Shannon Group said: “It is really encouraging to see a major development of this scale and we are proud to have played our part in facilitating DB Schenker’s €10 million investment on our development land at Shannon Free Zone East. This is yet another a very positive announcement for the business community in Shannon and I would like to extend our congratulations to the DB Schenker team.”
Shannon Group manages a large property portfolio which includes Shannon Free Zone and has worked closely with DB Schenker to identify a suitable site for this major development.
Commenting on the initiative, Gerry Dillon, Shannon Group Property Director said: “We are delighted to welcome DB Schenker, the latest FDI company to have chosen to locate in Shannon Free Zone. As a global leader with more than 140 years’ experience of logistics, it is wonderful to see their commitment to invest and grow at Shannon.
“We pride ourselves on finding bespoke property solutions for indigenous and FDI companies, whether that is prime development sites, or tailored turnkey buildings solutions to meet their needs. In addition, Shannon Group’s development strategy for Shannon Free Zone is on track to deliver a 150,000 sq ft development of new advanced technology manufacturing space by year end. In total we will have delivered almost one million sq ft of new property solutions since the Group’s establishment in 2014,” said Mr. Dillon.
Meanwhile Lufthansa Technik Shannon CEO Patrick Shine met with Clare and Limerick Oireachtas members this week, while he was due to meet with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe on Wednesday morning.
Like virtually all aviation companies Lufthansa Technik Shannon-which employs 750 people with sister company Lufthansa Technik Turbines Shannon- has seen its operations decimated by the pandemic.
In a letter to local TDs, Mr Shine said the company is “extremely grateful” for the support it has received from the Government. However, he warned it will require “further substantial support” over the coming months. Mr Shine said Lufthansa is “committed to the future of both companies in Ireland” and to maintain jobs locally. However, he said the company is discussing “significant changes to operations” as a result of the pandemic-driven downturn.
Commenting, Deputy Joe Carey said, “Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd and Lufthansa Technik Turbines Shannon Ltd are one of Clare’s biggest employers and it is vital these companies are given the support they need to keep afloat until we get through this unprecedented public health emergency.
“The companies acknowledge that the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme has been a lifeline during these very difficult times. I was happy to facilitate a meeting this week between the CEO of Lufthansa Technik Shannon and my colleague, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe. I look forward to meeting with the company again this week and exploring whatever options are needed to assist them as we navigate the challenges we face in the months ahead together.”
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
