New build is the largest single project undertaken by Shannon Group subsidiary since the formation of the Group last autumn
New facility will enable consolidation of GE Measurement & Control’s operations in Shannon
Thursday, 24 September 2015: Shannon Commercial Properties (SCP) has embarked on its largest project to date with the development of a new €6 million, purpose built facility for a leading global operator and employer in the Shannon Free Zone.
In the first major investment as part of a €21 million first phase of a programme of new builds and upgrades of its property portfolio, Shannon Commercial Properties – Shannon Group’s property arm – is to triple the current space available to GE Measurement & Control by creating a 100,000 sq ft facility at the Shannon Free Zone, extending the company’s existing 33,000 sq ft facility at East Park in the Free Zone by 67,000 sq ft.
The US multi-national 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 & Control operation in Shannon, which employs 177 people, manufactures environmental analysers for moisture, combustion, oxygen and thermal conductivity.
Full planning permission for the extension was granted Clare County Council, on August 7th and, following a tender process, L and M Keating Ltd, Kilmihil, Co Clare, was awarded the contract to undertake the Building Works Contract. Works have commenced and the project is scheduled for completion by June 2016.
The SCP appointed Lead Consultant for the project is Hassett Leyden Associates in Ennis Co Clare, with Cuddy QS Associates of Limerick appointed as Quantity Surveyors and Moloney Fox, Limerick as Mechanical and Electrical Consultants.
Announcing the investment, Shannon Group CEO Neil Pakey said, “This investment illustrates 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 our property base.
“The development of this 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 21st century standards.”
Said SCP Managing Director Ray O’Driscoll, “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.”
Commenting on the project, Colin Hehir, Site Leader, GE Oil & Gas, Measurement & Control said, “The Shannon facility has been growing rapidly in recent years. We are simply delighted that this new development is happening and we look forward to growing our operations in Shannon.
