Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Friday 12th March, 1999) announced details of a £5.25 million investment supported by Enterprise Ireland by three companies in the Sligo region. "This will result in the creation of 81 jobs for the county," the Tánaiste said on her visit to Sligo today.

Making the announcement, the Tánaiste said "Since coming into Government, I have devoted considerable energy to putting greater emphasis on job creation in the regions. Sligo is a priority area for job creation and I am delighted to announce details of three expansions for the county that will give rise to over 80 new jobs. I can assure the people of Sligo that the county will continue to receive high profile attention for indigenous industry as well as for the attraction of foreign multinational involvement."

The largest project is Basta in Tubbercurry Co. Sligo, the sole manufacturer of internal door locks, handles and window stays and fasteners. It has recently extended its product range with the purchase of Worcester Parsons in Britain which manufactures door and window hinges as well as uPVC door and window fittings. This £2.75 million investment involves an expansion of production facilities in Sligo including the transfer of some of the manufacturing requirement from the British company. It will create 60 jobs over the next three years bringing total numbers employed in Basta to 169.

Speaking in Sligo the Tánaiste said "Basta already has a strong market presence in Ireland and its recent acquisition in the British market will significantly increase it's customer base. The British market in particular is one of enormous potential for Basta and the acquisition is a cost effective way to acquire new products with market share."

The Tánaiste also announced that Gilroy Tile Design, manufacturers of a range of designer wall and floor tiles, will create 10 new jobs under its £1 million expansion. A further 11 new jobs will be created by Avenue Mouldmaking Ltd, specialists in the design and manufacture of multicavity injection moulds for high volume production applications, who will undertake a £1.5 million expansion programme at its manufacturing facility.

The Tánaiste said "there is clear evidence that Irish companies continue to make a very significant contribution to the overall growth of the local and national economy. Last year alone employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies increased by 4% in the North West region. This is indicative of the positive enterprise dynamic at work in the region."

Welcoming the Tánaiste's announcement Mr Séamus Bree, Enterprise Ireland, North West Region said "a key feature of today's announcement is the number of expansions of longer established enterprises who are strengthening their capability through investment in technology, people, product development and market development. Enterprise Ireland will continue to encourage companies such as these to focus on growth through the development of new products and markets."