40 new jobs for Watergrasshill
A global packaging supply chain solutions company has opened a 70,000 sq. ft logistics facility in Watergrasshill.
Set to be operational by April, the new site is part of Irish-owned Zeus’ national logistics and distribution strategy, with 4 key facilities to be positioned throughout the island of Ireland. The new roles in Cork will be created across logistics, distribution, commercial and administration.
40 new roles are set to be created over the next 18 months at the facility.
Adrian Lannon, Chief Operations Officer of Zeus, said: “As Zeus has expanded organically through strategic acquisition, we now need to future-proof our operational capacity and capability in line with both customer expectation and company growth. Today’s announcement forms part of a wider strategy to enhance service levels throughout Ireland while increasing operational efficiencies.
“This new modern facility will allow optimised placement of stocks around the country, bringing products closer to our customers. We also have plans for further investment in our Limerick operations, consolidating our JJ O’Toole, Limerick Packaging and Zeus Limerick business operations,” he added.
Brian O’Sullivan, Founder of Zeus, said: “I grew up in East Cork, and it’s where I started my working life. I am very proud to now be reinvesting back in my local roots, opening this new facility in Watergrasshill. This will greatly improve our capability within the region, create new jobs, deliver a better work life balance for our colleagues and importantly, deliver greater service options to our customers.”
Officially opening the facility, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath said: “Zeus is an inspirational example of a home-grown company scaling internationally, having been founded by Brian O’Sullivan in 1998. Having followed their global growth with interest, I am delighted to today open the new Watergrasshill logistics facility, which will provide a major boost for the local economy.”
Customers of Zeus range across sectors and include Kaufland, Lidl, Aldi, ABP, Harrods, Musgrave, Ryanair and McDonalds.
Established by Brian O’Sullivan in 1998, Zeus now employs over 900 people worldwide. In 2021, Mr O’Sullivan was announced as the winner of EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
With more than 12,000 pallet spaces, the Watergrasshill facility has 12m clear internal eaves, 5 dock levellers and will operate a voice controlled warehouse management system integrating 4 other logistics centres within Limerick and Dublin.
During the past 12 months Zeus have added a further €75m of revenue through acquisition. Zeus acquired Polpack in Poland in February of this year, the first step in its 2023 growth programme targeting revenues of more than €500m, the company said.