Limerick-headquartered engineering firm Kirby Group Engineering is creating 50 new jobs in South Africa as it opens a second office in Cape Town, bringing its workforce in the country to more than 120.

The expansion comes three years after Kirby established operations in South Africa and follows what the company describes as strong growth in the market.

The new roles will span a range of engineering and technical disciplines, including Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers specialising in LV/MV and HV systems, MEP Detailers, Commissioning Engineers and Structural Engineers.

Founded in 1964, Kirby Group Engineering now employs more than 1,900 people across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, the Nordics and South Africa.

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Executive Chairman Jimmy Kirby said the opening of the new office represented an important milestone for the company's South African operations.

"In our three years here, the Cape Town operation has gone from strength to strength. This decision to expand to the northern suburbs is a statement of confidence in the team we have built and the long-term opportunities we envisage for the area."

He added that the new location would enable the company to increase its capacity while continuing to operate within Cape Town's established talent hub.

"Our new office will allow us to expand capacity while remaining within the same talent hub, ensuring consistency, collaboration and continued access to the city’s strong pool of skilled professionals."

Kirby also has partnerships with third-level institutions in South Africa, including the University of Pretoria and the University of Cape Town, where it supports the development of engineering talent through sponsorships, scholarships and graduate programmes.

Mr Kirby said the company's growth in South Africa had been supported by its employees and local stakeholders.

"The success we have enjoyed in South Africa would not have been possible without the support of our employees and local stakeholders."