145 new jobs at Option Wireless in Cork

Continuous improvements in our production and delivery processes, together with a strong management capability, have ensured that the Cork facility is a key component of our global operations. Cork is the obvious choice for this expansion, which will enable our business to deliver increasing volumes of product while striving for greater efficiency, which ultimately benefits our customers.

David Whelan, Vice President, Global Operations, Option Wireless

05/12/2008

Option Wireless Limited 
Facility designated Option’s main Centre for Global Supply Chain and Fulfilment

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan TD today (Thursday 4th December 2008) announced that Option Wireless Limited, in an addition to its manufacturing and services facility in Cork, is to add 145 new high quality production jobs over the next three years and undertake leading-edge Process Development activities in that period.

The expansion, supported by Government through IDA Ireland, will establish the Cork facility as Option’s main centre for Global Supply Chain and Fulfilment.

Option NV, a leader in its industry, designs, develops and manufactures devices that provide high quality wireless access to the Internet. The Cork facility is Option’s primary customisation, logistics and fulfilment site and is responsible for adding value to the basic product by customising it with firmware and software in a highly flexible manufacturing process to meet customers specific needs and requirements. The new Process Development activities will focus on critical aspects of the company’s technically advanced customisation and manufacturing in anticipation of further substantial volume growth following the doubling of output between 2005 and 2007.

The Tánaiste said “this excellent news for the Cork facility will substantially extend its mandate and is due to the highly skilled management team and workforce and their ability to be flexible and innovative, traits which are well-proven characteristics of the Irish workforce. Once again this is a clear demonstration of Ireland’s premier position as a leading location for high level manufacturing and process development. The expansion and the addition of leading-edge process development are important to the future of Option’s global business and will further underpin the Cork facility going forward.”

Option Wireless at Kilbarry Industrial Estate, Cork, employs 300 people, divided almost equally between permanent and temporary people. It plays a critical role in the company’s global supply chain. Its manufacturing process is highly complex and is based on the range of wireless devices produced (datacards, USB modems, software, routers and embedded modules) and the specific customer requirements.

David Whelan, Vice President, Global Operations, Option Wireless said: “Option continues to build on its reputation for delivering its range of wireless internet devices that are developed to the specific needs of the markets that we serve. Our customers expect a high degree of quality and flexibility and our operation here in Cork enables our business to deliver to these expectations. Continuous improvements in our production and delivery processes, together with a strong management capability, have ensured that the Cork facility is a key component of our global operations. Cork is the obvious choice for this expansion, which will enable our business to deliver increasing volumes of product while striving for greater efficiency, which ultimately benefits our customers.”

About Option
Option, the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G HSUPA, HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, and WLAN technology products for wireless connectivity solutions. Option has built up an enviable reputation for creating exciting products that enhance the performance and functionality of wireless communications. Option’s headquarters are in Belgium. It has Research & Development in Belgium and Germany, and an ISO 9001 production engineering and logistics facility in Cork, Ireland. Option maintains offices in Europe, US, Asia, Japan and Australia. For more information please visit www.option.com.

For Further Information please contact –
Option wireless Ltd. in Cork -
Ann-Marie O'Sullivan, H+A O'Sullivan PR
Mob: 086 818 8163 ?
E-mail: annmarie@osullivanpr.ie

Option NV -
JP Ziegler, CFO, Tel.: +32 (0)16 317 411
E-mail: investor@option.com

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment –
Press Office, Tel: 01- 6312200
Roisin McCann, Mob: 0872594144

IDA Ireland -
Brendan Kenny, Press Officer, Tel: 087 9036126