JRI America Inc is to expand its software development operation in Tralee with a move to a new 14,000 sq ft premises that will position the company to hire more people in the coming years.
JRI America is a subsidiary of Japanese IT services company Japan Research Institute, which is itself a subsidiary of Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo, a Fortune Global 200 company.
The company established its Tralee operation in 2011 as part of an IDA-supported investment and has grown to employ 70 people.
The news was welcomed by the Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan TD.
“It is a huge endorsement of the region’s ability to attract and retain global technology companies and will act as a great exemplar for such. It’s also a huge vote of confidence in the local business environment and skills pool,” Minister Deenihan said.
‘Since the opening of our original office space just over four years ago we have broadened the mission of the technology office from development and quality assurance into engineering, operations and information security’
– MICHAEL O’DEA, JRI AMERICA
The Tralee operation supports the group’s western hemisphere IT operations, including the US, Europe, Moscow, Dubai and other markets.
Staff in Tralee provide support for a broad range of functions, including software development, quality assurance, network support, data centre support and technical customer service activities.
Growth plans for JRI America
The move to the new 14,000 sq ft premises is part of its strategic plan to position the company for growth into the future in Tralee.
“JRI America, working together with the IDA, Kerry Technology Park, Shannon Development, the Institute of Technology Tralee, Kerry County Council and a strong network of partners is very pleased to announce the expansion of our operations in Tralee,” said Michael O’Dea, president of JRI America.
“Since the opening of our original office space just over four years ago we have broadened the mission of the technology office from development and quality assurance into engineering, operations and information security.
“Staff has grown over 20-fold in that time to nearly 70 employees. The new office space will allow us to continue to grow both our staff and the capabilities of the company to support Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation’s business in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” O’Dea said.
Blennerville windmill in Tralee image via Shutterstock
