by Bernie English bernie@limerickpost.ie
A €6 million investment, representing its largest development project to date, has been announced by Shannon Commercial Properties for a purpose-built facility for a leading global operator and employer in the Shannon Free Zone.
The plan to triple the current space available to GE Measurement and Control, is the first major investment in the €21 million first phase of new builds and upgrades to the property portfolio controlled by Shannon Commercial Properties (SCP), the real estate arm of the Shannon Group.
It will result in the provision of a 100,000 sq ft facility at the GE base on the Shannon Free Zone, extending the company’s existing 33,000 sq ft facility at East Park by 67,000 sq ft.
The US multinational currently operates out of two separate facilities, with the newly built facility enabling it to consolidate both operations in one location and accommodate any future expansion plans.
The GE Measurement and Control operation in Shannon, which employs 177 people, manufactures environmental analysers for moisture, combustion, oxygen and thermal conductivity.
Planning permission for the extension was granted Clare County Council on August 7 and L&M Keating Ltd was awarded the contract for building works which commenced on August 24 and is expected to be completed by next June.
Announcing the investment, Shannon Group chief executive Neil Pakey said it illustrated Shannon Group’s commitment, through its subsidiary Shannon Commercial Properties, to creating turnkey solutions for existing and new clients at the Shannon Free Zone and across its property base.
“The development of this turnkey purpose-built facility is one of the earliest and most significant investments by Shannon Group since it was formed last autumn. It is part of a wider programme of upgrades and refurbishment works including new builds to bring some existing units at the Shannon Free Zone up to 21 first century standards.”
Shannon Commercial Properties managing director Ray O’Driscoll said: “The Shannon Free Zone is home to over 120 Irish and international companies, including some of the world’s best known brands. GE Measurement & Control is among them and this investment will facilitate the consolidation of its existing two units into one unit, with additional capacity for any future expansion.
“Our new development programme will support existing clients and employment levels at the Free Zone and will also create the type of environment capable of assisting the national development agencies attract further indigenous and foreign investment and employment at Shannon.”
