Employment at Dublin site secured through acquisition of new generation technology

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan TD today (Thursday, 28th January 2010) announced that Lufthansa Technik Airmotive Ireland Ltd., based in Rathcoole, Dublin, has been chosen as an MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) site for the new IAE V2500 engine, currently used by Lufthansa and other carriers worldwide. The decision will see the company invest US$40 million in equipping the operation for this engine type and implementing strategic improvement and business processes at the operation, securing the future of the site and further employment into the future. This investment is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Lufthansa Technik Airmotive Ireland (LTAI) set up in Ireland almost 30 years ago and currently employs 470 highly skilled personnel. The IAE V2500 engine type will replace older engine types which are being phased out due to age and efficiency issues. Today’s announcement is a positive development for Ireland and will embed the Irish operation and secure its future in the medium to long term.

Speaking at the announcement, An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD said: “This investment is excellent news for Ireland and particularly for the staff at the Dublin site. This is a hugely significant win for Ireland, given the strong competition which we faced from other overseas locations within the Lufthansa group. The win is testament to the diligent, hard working management and staff at the operation. This investment is not only important in terms of the technologically advanced operations that will take place at the site, but the upskilling of current employees through training and development will ensure that LTAI maintains its leading international position as a world class provider of jet engine MRO services”.

Speaking on behalf of the company, LTAI’s managing director Wolfgang Moerig said: “The introduction of the V2500 engine to the plant is another chapter in the long and successful history of this facility, and indeed of Lufthansa Technik in Ireland. Over 3000 aircraft jet engines have been overhauled here since 1981, which have helped us develop our worldwide reputation for quality and expertise”.

“Embracing the new technology that the IAE V2500 represents is a major step in keeping Rathcoole at the technological forefront in a global and most competitive market. The success of the project is a tribute to the co-operation, active encouragement and practical help afforded to local management by the Tánaiste and her officials, the IDA, and the Board of Lufthansa Technik in Germany, as well as the active support from all LTAI staff” he added.