A tremendous boost for Shannon as an international investment location is how Helen Downes, Shannon Chamber CEO, described the decision by Siemens Digital Industries Software to establish its first ‘Cloud Electronic Design Automation’ R&D group globally on the Free Zone.

“This €7m investment in such cutting-edge High-Performance Computing (HPC) by Siemens – its first software R&D division in Ireland – is a huge vote of confidence in the region on many fronts.

“It highlights Shannon as a strategic location for foreign direct investment beside an international airport. The announcement is also a strong endorsement of the skills and talents of the company’s existing workforce in Shannon, led by Martin Gennery, Senior Director and Shannon Site Lead.”

Ms Downes said that Siemens EDA (formerly Mentor Graphics) has been a key employer in Shannon for over 20 years, currently employing 150 people.

“Another important aspect of this decision is that it showcases the attractiveness of Shannon as a base that offers opportunities to work on the latest technologies while achieving an excellent work-life balance,” she added.