A MERCHANDISING COMPANY in Dundalk is to create 250 seasonal jobs in the coming weeks as it moves into a new manufacturing facility.

National Pen is to open a new facility which will triple the size of its plant in Dundalk, Co Louth. The company manufactures branded office stationery, clothing and other products on demand.

The company hopes to eventually offer permanent contacts to some of the staff that it will take on in the coming months. Recruitment for the roles has already begun.

Jobs minister Richard Bruton said he “very much welcomed” the announcement and expressed confidence that the manufacturing sector would see increased exports and job creation in the future.

IDA Ireland executive Barry O’Leary said the expansion was “excellent news for Dundalk” and would allow the company to continue its impressive growth.

“The company is a great case study in showing us all how Ireland can compete in the traditional business sector of manufacturing,” he said.

The Dundalk facility opened in 1987 with four staff producing one product. It now supplies consumers in 19 countries in Europe, Asia and Oceania.