Cork, September 27th, 2010 – Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe TD today announced that OtterBox® , an innovator of protective solutions for  leading global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors, is establishing its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) HQ in Cork, creating up to 50 jobs over 2 years.  The company is being supported by Government through IDA Ireland.

OtterBox designs and produces device specific protective covers for high value smartphones and handheld devices. Incorporating creativity and cutting-edge design into every product, OtterBox creates sleek and durable cases that offer reliable device protection.  The activities to be carried out from the Cork site will include in-house sales, customer service, accounting, engineering, public relations, marketing, web design, graphics, supply chain, human resources and warehousing.

Making today’s announcement Minister O’Keeffe said that “OtterBox is an innovative firm that has grown rapidly in line with an expanding smartphone market.  OtterBox is a market-leader in the design and production of high-quality and durable protective covers for the handheld mobile phone market.  The firm’s decision to establish its EMEA headquarters in Cork reaffirms the county’s global reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced product design and production, with access to an educated and skilled workforce and modern transport infrastructure.  The Cork operation will be at the heart of the firm’s global growth.”

OtterBox is an innovative company which has experienced exceptional growth in recent years due to the expansion of the smartphone market.  The Cork operation is at the heart of the company’s future growth strategy to expand its footprint globally.”

Speaking about the announcement Matt Clark, Managing Director OtterBox EMEA, said “This has been a very exciting year for OtterBox with the opening of the EMEA office here in Cork and also OtterBox’s inclusion on the INC 500 list of fastest growing companies in the United States. As the company expands, we are looking to firmly establish our presence in the EMEA market and Cork is the perfect location for that with its access to Europe, the Middle East and Africa as well as our headquarters in Colorado.”
 
Welcoming today’s announcement, IDA Ireland, CEO Barry O’Leary said “IDA recognises the importance and potential of attracting emerging, high growth companies such as OtterBox to Ireland.  The company has achieved phenomenal growth to date in the US and plans to replicate this success in the EMEA region through its new operation in Cork.  I am confident that as the demand for smartphones continues to grow, OtterBox will be the leaders in providing durable and high-quality protective solutions in the region.”

For more information, visit www.otterbox.com

About OtterBox:

Built upon fundamentals of hard work, innovation and perseverance, OtterBox is a leader in the production of premier protective solutions for global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors.

Incorporating creativity and cutting-edge design into every product, OtterBox creates sleek and durable cases that offer reliable device protection to complement any lifestyle.
OtterBox was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado.

For vendor queries please contact –
OtterBox EMEA
2 Georges Quay
Cork
+353 (0)214910200

For media queries please contact -
Rhona Cashman
Public Relations Coordinator EMEA
rhona.cashman@otterbox.ie
+353 (0)21 4910218
+353(0)87 6978477