Kitt welcomes jobs boost for Tuam

Today’s jobs announcement by global car components supplier Valeo is a major boost to the local economy, according Galway East TD Michael Kitt. The multinational firm has unveiled plans for a €17 million expansion at its base in Tuam.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Kitt said, “Valeo is one of the world’s top car parts suppliers, operating in 27 countries. The fact that a global firm of this scale chose Ireland as the location for such a significant investment shows that we have made great strides in improving our competitiveness.”

“The expansion will result in 100 high-end jobs for Tuam, bringing Valeo’s total workforce here to over 540. They are seeking highly-skilled graduates to fill the new positions in manufacturing, advanced technology and research and development. The jobs will come on stream over the next three years, but the firm is hoping to recruit the bulk of the new staff in the near future.”

“These are exactly the type of high-value jobs that will help secure sustainable economic growth. Valeo works closely with the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) on developing new technologies to market globally. The company has an excellent record as an employer in the greater Tuam area and it’s contributed greatly to the community here. Its interest in Ireland and confidence in our workforce proves that we are successfully competing on the international stage.”

“Much credit is due to IDA Ireland which is supporting this investment.  In the past week alone, a total of 1,620 jobs have been announced at various locations nationwide. We still have a long way to go in tackling our unemployment levels, but the series of jobs announcements this week shows that we have the corner,” said Deputy Kitt.