United Chemical Technologies (UCT) (www.unitedchem.com) is to set up a new manufacturing facility in Ireland, creating 17 jobs by the end of 2017. Recruitment will start immediately for five positions in production and product inspection at the US chromatography company.

A senior European support specialist has already been taken on for the Irish operation.

Located at the Ardcavan Business Park in Wexford, the operation will be a registered subsidiary of UCT Inc, which is based in Bristol, Pennsylvania.

UCT specialises in the field of silica-based solid-phase extraction technology, which is routinely used in clinical, forensic and environmental laboratories for the extraction of trace analytes in complex samples.

The main functions of the Irish operation will include manufacturing, quality assurance, distribution and technical-support services for the European market.

UCT was introduced to Ireland through Connect Ireland, the company responsible for delivering the Succeed in Ireland initiative, as part of the Action Plan for Jobs, in association with IDA (Industrial Development Agency) Ireland.

Welcoming the announcement, Brendan Howlin, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, said: “UCT has made an excellent choice in establishing its new European facility in Wexford. This will create 17 jobs in a company that is a world leader in its field, and it shows that the Action Plan for Jobs is delivering.”