More details have emerged following yesterday's news that industrial equipment group, C&F, is to expand into wind energy, creating 250 new jobs in the manufacture of wind turbines in Co Galway.

The company, which is owned by John Flaherty - who took the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2008 - is currently in the middle of a four-year €20m investment programme, and the move into wind energy will mean the expansion of its 180,000-square-foot Athenry manufacturing headquarters by an additional 70,000 square feet.

The 250 new jobs will be in design, engineering, manufacturing and management, sales and after-sales, and will be generated over the next two years.

There will also be spin-off benefits for installers and electricians, and C&F has commenced the process of appointing distributors in Ireland, the UK and Europe, all of whom are currently working in wind energy.

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C&F turbines will use a revolutionary new technology which allows them to harness wind at lower speeds than ever before.

Patented by C&F, that technology means they're capable of generating power from wind at speeds as low as 1.2 of a metre a second, as a result, the C&F turbines can generate power 350 days a year, outperforming current market offerings.

"This move into wind energy and to be an original equipment manufacturer has been part of our strategy for some time," said Mr Flaherty.

"I believe this world-beating technology will give us a real competitive edge in a tough global marketplace."

He anticipates that around 70% of the turbines made in Galway will be exported, mainly to the European market.

The new C&F turbines will be on display later this month when the Volvo Ocean Race arrives in Galway. Two 10 kW models will help power the on-shore race village - the first time the high-profile race has been powered by wind on land as well as at sea.

John Flaherty first set up C&F in 1989, spotting a gap in the Irish market for industrial equipment and tools - which was being serviced at the time largely by companies based in the UK and Germany.

"We are entering the renewable energy market with a range of superior micro-wind turbines which will revolutionise domestic and international industry," said Ray Leavy, Chief Executive of C&F Wind division.

"Our alternators boast a much higher efficiency factor than anything currently available in the renewable energy market," he added.

(PR/JM)