AROUND seven jobs are set to be created following a huge investment by Free Zone company Bustec Limited.

Bustec has announced a €15 million contract with US technology firm Lockheed Martin, to supply data capture and testing equipment, which will be used by the US navy.
Attending a tour of the Bustec facility last Friday morning, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton welcomed the move.
“I am delighted to help mark Bustec’s achievement in securing this major international contract with Lockheed Martin, which will bring significant benefits to the region in coming years.
“Bustec is a sophisticated technology company operating at the cutting edge of its sector and its decision to retain its headquarters and manufacturing base in Shannon since the mid-1990s is a major vote of confidence for Ireland and the region. I know Shannon Development, with the help of my department has supported the company in the past and I commend them for their work.”
Shannon Development CEO Dr Vincent Cunnane said the company is very progressive. “Shannon Development had a good feeling about Bustec and its founder Fred Blonnigen since we first met him and his team 15 years ago. Bustec is a forward-looking and innovative technology company supplying leading global brands in the technology-driven sectors. We have continued to work closely with Bustec and its unique product offerings to the global test and measurement market and we are delighted to congratulate them on this latest important contract win with a leading global technology group.”
Having had a base in Shannon since 1997, Bustec Limited is a leader in the supply of data acquisition and control products within the global test and measurement market. Its products are used by many of the world’s leading companies in the power, aerospace, defence and automotive sectors. Bustec data capture and test equipment is also used in French nuclear power facilities and in the construction and testing of the international space station.
Commenting on the announcement, Bustec CEO and founder Fred Blonnigen said; “Data capture and testing is a critical function in practically all industrial applications. From design verification tests to production supervision, accurate measurements are directly reflected in the quality of the end product. Bustec is delivering innovative products, which are at the heart of this essential function and which provide the technology platform for capturing, testing and controlling key data which are critical to the safe and effective operation of many of these processes.”
He also said that the contract with Lockheed Martin would ultimately see Bustec products in use in data testing and quality systems across the US naval fleet.

Chamber welcomes ‘win-win’ situation

THE announcement of new jobs coming to the Free Zone as a result of the collaboration between Zagg International Distribution and Cregg logistics coalition with Lockheed Martin, has been welcomed by Shannon Chamber Chief Executive Helen Downes.
“The fact that a company of the calibre of Zagg has chosen Shannon as a base for its European expansion is a boost in itself. The fact that it has chosen to do so in association with an already established business, such as Cregg, further endorses the fact that Shannon offers an unrivalled location and capability for conducting US-Europe business,” she said.
“The involvement of Cregg in consolidating this venture cannot be underestimated and clearly demonstrated the strengths of our local indigenous sector. Zagg will be rewarded for its investment in the Shannon region with competent people and the support of Shannon Development. Shannon has a lot to offer global organisations and we hope other multinational companies will evaluate these offerings when looking to expand to Europe.”
Acknowledging the €15 million magnitude of the technology contract between Shannon-based Bustec and US technology firm, Lockheed Martin, to supply data capture and testing equipment which will be used by the US navy, Ms Downes said that contracts of such a scale send a signal globally that Shannon shouldn’t be overlooked for technological undertakings. “All companies involved in this latest jobs and technology announcement for Shannon must be commended for playing their part in boosting Shannon’s jobs and exports potential. It’s been a win-win for everyone involved in the process, demonstrating the synergy that exists in Shannon for encouraging business set-up.”
She also said she was hopeful that the upcoming jobs initiative will reduce the cost of doing business in Ireland.