Snow joke as Birr firm to create 90 jobs

Some ninety new jobs are set to be created in Birr with the expansion of winter maintenance and recycling equipment manufacturing company Romaquip. Over 40,000 square feet is being added to Romaquip's base in Syngefield Industrial Estate in Birr, which will allow for more production and create the need for the additional jobs. According to Romaquip's joint MD John McKeown the new jobs will be for highly skilled workers including welders, hydraulic workers, fitters and machine operators Romaquip has been in business in Birr since 1984, when it was set up by John McKeown and Ray Leonard. The company is currently at the forefront of its area of expertise, and four years ago won the largest single tender awarded in England that now sees its machines work on all motorways in the country. Romaquip's equipment includes snow ploughs and salt spreaders, as well as its newest unique kerbside recycling sorter. Speaking to the Offaly Independent this week, Mr McKeown said it's hoped ongoing building work to expand the company's production area in Birr would be completed by September. This would pave the way for the first of the new jobs to add to the current staff total of 50 at the company. The company has a base in the UK that deals with service, sales and hire,. However all manufacturing work is carried out in its Birr facility and all of the new jobs at the company will be located in Birr too, the company confirmed this week. He said the only thing holding the company back right now is lack of production space. He also attributed the company's success to date to its workforce. "What makes us a success is the quality of people we have working for us," he said. "We have a fantastic team of guys here." He also said the company has a strong research and development team, with 15 percent of company turnover ploughed back into research and development. He also acknowledged support from Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development as well as Bank of Ireland. Mr McKeown explained that the company currently has contracts in Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and parts of Europe. Though he admitted Ireland is an expensive place for manufacturing, he said what keeps them successful is top class products. "Our business success is that we have the most modern equipment in Europe," he said. "We're technically at the front of the field." Mr McKeown said it's hoped the company can compete for large contracts in Europe once production numbers are increased.