The parcel delivery firm DPD Ireland is to expand its operations nationwide, creating 700 new jobs.
Up to 150 positions will be based at their headquarters in Athlone, and the remaining 550 drivers and operational personnel will service deliveries to and from 36 regional depots.
The jobs will be in place before the end of the year.
DPD Ireland says it is also investing €1m in its automation and routing systems, and a further €1m in additional driver scanner technology.
It says this is to support the "anticipated parcel volume increase" this Christmas period.
DPD has two more facilities opening in Dublin this month.
File photo. Picture by: DPD IrelandSpeaking from Government Buildings, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: "This investment from DPD Ireland, which will create 700 jobs nationwide is a fantastic boost to the country.
"Depots in Cork, Kildare and Meath have already doubled in size this year, attesting to the massive increase in online shopping we’ve seen during the pandemic.
"Athlone is the ideal location for the expansion to DPD Ireland’s facility due to its skilled workforce and high connectivity to the whole country.
DPD Ireland chief executive Des Travers said the company is actively recruiting.
"Our services have played an important role in these unprecedented times, with
consumers ordering more online due to coronavirus concerns.
"The new jobs will increase our workforce to almost 2,000, enabling us to continue to meet customer demand".
