BRE Global transfer to Ireland
[Left to right – Dr Debbie Smith, MD, BRE Global; Richard Hardy, Special Projects Director, BRE Group; Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Heather Humphreys TD; Barry O’Dowd, Senior Vice President IDA Ireland.]
In March 2018, in preparation for the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2019, BRE Global announced their establishment of a new office in Dublin for its CE marking activities.
With support from the Irish government to apply for EU Notified Body status, its current activities under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and other directives will transfer across to the new company called BRE Global Ireland Ltd once the submission has been approved.
Plans are also underway to create a new test laboratory in the city later this year which will employ 15-20 local engineers, scientists and technicians to test a range of construction and fire protection products. The facility represents a €3.5 million investment by BRE who see strong growth indicators in the global marketplace for independent testing, certification and CE marking, of construction and related products and materials.
BRE Global has been an EU Notified Body for the testing and certification of a wide portfolio of construction products and systems for over 17 years. It currently provides manufacturers with complete CE marking services for products that are covered by harmonised European Standards and European Technical Assessments under the Construction Products Regulation.
Welcoming the announcement by BRE Global, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Heather Humphreys TD said:
“I am delighted that BRE Global has decided to establish a new office in Ireland as a new base for its European activities and CE marking work, which will lead to the creation of quality jobs for Irish engineers and scientists. Our skills base in key technical areas will help BRE move onto a new chapter of its expansion. Ireland will be an exciting new base for the company and I look forward to BRE developing Ireland’s reputation as a location for world-class and internationally recognised testing and certification work."
Dr Debbie Smith, MD of BRE Global said:
“BRE Global has been carrying out independent third party technical assessment of construction products for CE marking for a number of years – this is a very important step to enable us to continue to deliver the service that our current and future clients need, whether manufacturers, importers or distributors of construction products within Europe. We are very pleased to be welcomed and supported by our Irish colleagues* in making this happen”.
CEO of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan said:
“IDA Ireland has been tirelessly competing for all mobile Brexit investment opportunities, promoting Ireland as the ideal solution for companies who are seeking to relocate parts of their businesses from the UK. Today’s announcement is yet another Brexit win for Ireland and demonstrates the confidence global investors have in Ireland as a result of our track record, attractive business environment and talented workforce.”
This article was originally published here in March 2018 by BRE.
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