The NPD Group Grows its Employment Base in Athlone

Athlone was our preferred location for several reasons, but none more important than a deep talent pool of well-educated and multilingual people.  The presence of Athlone Institute of Technology was also a factor in our decision.  We sincerely appreciate the assistance of IDA Ireland, as they have played a key role in helping our operations get up and running so quickly. 

Tod Johnson, Chairman and CEO of The NPD Group

Athlone, IRELAND –John Perry TD, Minister of State at Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, today,  (Friday May 13th) officially opened The NPD Group’s new facility in Athlone. The company, a global provider of consumer and retail tracking market research, opened a Global IT/Operations Centre, where employment is projected to grow to 100 people over the next three years.  The NPD Group established a pilot effort in Athlone in early 2010, and is now proceeding to establish a full Global IT/Operations Centre.  The investment is supported by IDA Ireland.

The NPD Group’s IT/Operations Centre in Athlone is designed to play an integral part in the company’s Global IT / Operations vision and is part of its overall plan for introducing a new state-of-the-art data management system.  There are currently 20 people employed at the facility, and 80 new jobs will be created and filled over the next three years.  The new jobs will be in the areas of data classification, data analytics, quality assurance, and software development.

Officiating at the opening, Minister Perry said, "Ireland’s ability to attract investment from companies of the calibre of The NPD Group is most encouraging. Today’s announcement demonstrates that Ireland is very much open for business and is an excellent location to host the global operations of multinational companies. I look forward to building on the already strong working relationship between the Irish Government and NPD and offer the continued support of the Government to The NPD Group as it develops in Ireland."

Commenting on the announcement, Tod Johnson, Chairman and CEO of The NPD Group, said, "Athlone was our preferred location for several reasons, but none more important than a deep talent pool of well-educated and multilingual people.  The presence of Athlone Institute of Technology was also a factor in our decision.  We sincerely appreciate the assistance of IDA Ireland, as they have played a key role in helping our operations get up and running so quickly.  We look forward to continuing to work with the Agency as The NPD Group grows its Irish operation.”

Mary Buckley, Executive Vice President at IDA Ireland said, “The NPD Group made the decision to locate here in late 2009. The development of The NPD Group in Ireland highlights the attributes Ireland possesses that meet the needs of multinational companies.  International Services is a key target area for IDA Ireland, and The NPD Group’s location here in the Midlands Gateway crosses two of IDA’s target sectors, business services and digital data management.  This is an excellent addition to the IDA portfolio of companies in the Midlands and its surrounding regions, as well as its growing cluster of companies in the analytics and market research sector.  On behalf of IDA, I look forward to aiding The NPD Group’s future growth in Ireland.’”

About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries.  Today, more than 1,800 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels.  NPD helps our clients identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless.  For more information, contact us or visit www.npd.com

For further information please contact:
IDA Ireland
Antoinette Tyrrell, Press Officer, Tel: +353 (0) 1 6034256, Mob: +353 (0) 87 7572053
The NPD Group
Leslie Singer, VP Corporate Communications, Tel. +1 516 625 2302, leslie.singer@npd.com
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation
Roisin McCann, Mob: +353 (0) 87 2594144
Press Office, Tel: +353 (0) 1 6312200