Several key factors are believed to have played a role in a multinational firm locating its Irish base in the Shannonside region.
170 jobs are to come on stream at the newly opened EnerMech plant at the IDA Ireland's Business and Technology Park in Athlone over the next three years.
The firm currently employs around 100 people in Ireland and it's hoped the additional roles will allow the energy firm to expand its services to the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Ken Whitelaw is the midlands regional manager with the IDA.
He says proximity to a university and an available workforce played a key role in Athlone securing the investment :
"As with most companies, the access to talent has been a key part of their due diligence and decision-making process too.
I think being co-located effectively beside TUS Athlone and we have the Longford-Westmetah ETB down the road as well they are engaging actively with them in regards to apprenticeships."
