Somex Ltd, an automated solutions provider that specialises in the design and build of laboratory test equipment for the beverage industry, has established a new base in the Údarás na Gaeltachta Industrial Park in Baile Bhuirne, Co. Cork.
The company, which was set up in 2000 by its directors Brian O’Keefe and Michael Wall, previously based in Macroom, required a larger premises to facilitate its growth and expansion plans.
With the help and support of Údarás na Gaeltachta, the company designed and built a new high tech premises on the Údarás Industrial Park with a total investment of over €0.75m.
Somex Ltd develops package and product testing solutions for the beverage sector and large multinational companies such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Carlsberg and C&C are among it’s client list. The company also provides specialist design and automation solutions to the pharmaceutical, medical, plastics and electronics sectors.
The company currently employs 8 people and have plans to recruit a further 7 over the next three year period. Currently, all Somex personnel are 3rd level graduates with expertise particularly in the areas of mechanical design, automation design and software development. It is intended that future recruits will be similarly highly qualified.
Announcing the company’s expansion to Baile Bhuirne, Pádraig Ó hAoláin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta said “We are very pleased to be able to facilitate and support the expansion of Somex Ltd to Baile Bhuirne. The decision by the company to locate such a sophisticated and technologically advanced operation here is a great vote of confidence in the workforce and in the area in general. This development represents a good example of the implementation of An tÚdarás’ policy of attracting high-tech industries employing highly qualified personnel into areas which can provide suitable business accommodation, a skilled workforce, and appropriate infrastructure.”
Somex Ltd places a large emphasis on research and development and are currently working with University College Cork on some innovative beverage test processes which are expected to be of great benefit to the beverage industry globally.
Brian O’Keeffe and Michael Wall, directors of Somex Ltd, said that the new facility would provide growth potential and added capacity for existing and new customers going forward.
“Somex Ltd. wishes to continue it’s focus on innovation in the industrial marketplace and consequently providing a wealth of experience and opportunity for it’s employees. The support and encouragement received from Údarás during the difficult process of expansion into our new premises whilst maintaining positive growth within the business has been invaluable. We wish to express our gratitude to all concerned in Údarás, and look forward to a promising future in the beautiful surroundings of the Baile Bhuirne Gaeltacht”, they said.