Dell Computer Corp is to spend $248.6m to expand its Irish operations which will see the creation of 3,000 new jobs. The Irish government has hailed the news as the biggest single job creation in the history of Ireland and claims it will boost employment opportunities for the whole of the mid-west region of the country. The computer giant famed within the industry for the success of its direct sales technique will employ 2,600 staff at its European headquarters in Limerick, and the remaining 400 in Bray, adding to its existing 1,400. The money will be used to buy a new 340,000 square foot manufacturing facility, and to purchase its Bray site and a further 27,870 sq ft. Dell spokesperson Annette Condon says the company has had to expand its European facilities due to sheer demand, mainly as a result of the success of its direct sales model. Some 400,000 people tap into its web site every week, which takes you on to the site store. The Round Rock, Texas company generates $3m a day via sales of its products and services, and according to Condon Dell is growing at three times the market rate. Dell anticipates it will start shipping products manufactured at the new Irish facility in the summer, with goods going to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
