Summer 2008
CONNECTIONS News fr om
the world -class business campus
Multi-million euro investment by GECAS at Westpark Shannon GECAS Limited has completed its successful relocation to new 70,000 sq. ft. office premises at Westpark Shannon. GECAS Limited services all of the non-U.S. assets of GECAS worldwide. This new office represents a multi-million euro investment and a renewed commitment to the Shannon area, where it has operated very successfully since 1993. Declan Hartnett, Director, GECAS Limited (left) and Brian O’Connell, Managing Director, Westpark Shannon, discuss the move by GECAS into its new 70,000 sq ft office premises at the campus.
IN THIS ISSUE Vision for Western Regions to be unveiled Genesis controls global operations from Westpark Shannon Central role for new Enterprise Ireland national HQ
The business activities of GECAS Limited include Sales and Marketing, Technical, Underwriting, Legal, Insurance, Human Resources, Finance and Operations Services, including Information Technology and Quality.
“We are very pleased with our new state of the art facility in Westpark, which meets all of our business needs for our diverse operations,” commented Declan Hartnett, Director, GECAS Limited. “More importantly, our staff love their new environment and the improved amenities of the new facility. IT and Communications infrastructure are to the highest available standards, which is vital to the global operation of our business,” he added.
Westpark Shannon is delighted to welcome such a prestigious new tenant to its campus, Brian O’Connell, Managing Director, said. “The GECAS investment is a vote of confidence, not only for the Westpark development but for the Shannon Region and Ireland generally. We are pleased also that we were able to meet the exacting fit-out standards demanded by such a sophisticated global business,” he added. GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing businesses of GE, has a fleet of 1,475 owned aircraft it leases to more than 230 airlines in some 70 countries, and it manages nearly 300 aircraft for others. GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also offers productivity solutions, including spare engine leasing and spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Infrastructure, has offices in 28 cities around the world.
ULearning Skillnet launch at Westpark
Pictured at the launch were (from left): Piers Devereux, CEO, Olympus Life Research Ireland, Brian O'Connell, Managing Director, Westpark Shannon, Cllr. Sean McLoughlin, Mayor of Shannon, Dr. Ingrid Hunt, ULearning Network Manager, Sue Davies, ULearning Skillnet Technical Co-ordinator and Mat Kujawa, ULearning Skillnet Programme Support Manager. See also back cover.
www.westparkshannon.com
CONFERENCE CENTRE A BOOST FOR BUSINESSES The new, well-appointed conference facility at Westpark Shannon is proving increasingly popular with industry and business interests in the Shannon Region. Featuring elegant and spacious meeting and conference facilities with a capacity for up to 200 people, the Conference Centre offers full onsite audio-visual and other supports.
UK endorsement for Atlantic Way approach In setting out to chart a visionary plan for the future growth of the Western Regions, senior businesspeople, influencers and entrepreneurs got a timely boost from a leading UK authority at an Atlantic Way symposium held in Westpark Shannon. Andrew Lewis is Director of the successful Northern Way project that involves a collaboration of regions and cities across the North of England. Outlining the UK experience to symposium delegates, Mr Lewis said: “Like you, we’ve learned that economic development agencies, business and local partners are most successful when they pool their expertise and work together on a shared economic vision.” The event was organised by Shannon Chamber of Commerce, supported by Ennis, Galway and Limerick Chambers, and sponsored by Westpark Shannon Ltd. The Chambers were congratulated on their initiative by Brian O’Connell, Managing Director, Westpark Shannon.
“We offer excellent facilities for small to medium-sized meetings, conferences and events,” said Una McMahon, Conference Manager at Westpark Shannon.
Visionary plan Established in 2005, the Atlantic Way is a voluntary organisation comprised of leaders and decision makers in business, education, community organisations, local government, voluntary services and development in the West and Mid-West Regions.
“Options include break-out rooms and boardrooms with voice conferencing facilities. Full catering can be arranged, with an attractive restaurant onsite. Other amenities include business bureau supports, free car parking and easy access for those with impaired mobility,” she added.
The Chief Executive of Atlantic Way, Paul O’Brien said the organisation is currently finalising a Vision for the Western Regions for 2020. “This document will set out a challenging framework for the development of a vibrant region centred on Limerick-Shannon-Galway but extending out to the wider West of Ireland hinterland,” he said.
The new Conference Centre at “ Westpark Shannon is one of a kind in the area, and offers a very useful facility for businesses. It was a perfect venue for the Chamber when it hosted the Atlantic Way Symposium. The atmosphere was excellent and staff helpful – I would highly recommend it as an event venue. Ian Barrett President Shannon Chamber of Commerce
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The Plan will outline key priorities for future growth under four pillars of activity, ‘Connectivity & Infrastructure’, ‘Knowledge & Enterprise’, ‘Tourism & Leisure’, and ‘Building Communities, Enriching Lives’.
Pictured at the Atlantic Way Symposium organised by Shannon Chamber of Commerce in Westpark Shannon were (from left): Ian Barrett, President, Shannon Chamber of Commerce, Brian O’Connell, Managing Director, Westpark Shannon Ltd, Andrew Lewis, Director, Northern Way Project and Paul O’Brien, Chief Executive, Atlantic Way.
DIARY DATES
Events taking place at Westpark Shannon over the coming months include:
End of June
September
SES moving into their new office facilities.
Atlantic Way Regional Summit – date to be confirmed.
July 17 Una McMahon, Conference Manager, Westpark Shannon. Una can be contacted at: T +353 (0) 61 479111 E unamcmahon@westparkshannon.com
Note: The Atlantic Way Vision 2020 proposals will be presented to the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, T.D., at a meeting of the group at Westpark Shannon on Thursday, July 17.
Atlantic Way Vision 2020 proposals being presented to Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, T.D., at meeting of Atlantic Way group.
July
October 16 – 17 Enterprise Ireland International Markets Week for companies in Midlands, Mid-West and South-West Regions.
Enterprise Ireland Regional Headquarters Opening.
www.westparkshannon.com
Westpark Shannon
Genesis goes global from Shannon
Interesting Facts, Figures & Images
One-third of the world's 19,000 commercial passenger jets are now leased from third-party leasing companies, one of which, Genesis Lease Limited, has its global headquarters at Westpark Shannon. “More and more airlines are turning to leasing a portion of their fleets rather than purchasing the aircraft,” said John McMahon, Chairman and CEO of Genesis Lease.
• OFFICES Over 300,000 sq ft of office space constructed to date. More than 200,000 sq ft fully occupied, with a third unit being built out for Schwarz Pharma, ready for occupancy by December 2008.
John McMahon, Chairman and CEO, Genesis Lease Limited.
Genesis now has 53 aircraft on lease to 33 airlines in 17 countries throughout the world. The company focuses on aircraft acquisitions and pursuing growth while using the worldwide platform of GE Commercial Aviation Services Limited, or GECAS, to service its portfolio of leases.
Set up in 2006, the company relocated its global HQ to the Westpark campus in June 2007 and recently moved into an expanded c. 11,000 sq ft premises there.
NYSE listing Listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GLS”, Genesis has a market capitalization of $559 million. It was awarded “Overall Deal of the Year” by the prestigious aviation industry publication, ‘Airfinance Journal’ for an innovative series of funding transactions. Recently, John McMahon and Genesis Lease were also featured in a Forbes magazine article on aircraft leasing. A native of Limerick, Chairman and CEO, John McMahon, has more than twenty years experience in the aviation industry gained with Aer Lingus, GPA Group, GECAS and debis AirFinance (now AerCap). Most of the Genesis senior management team have returned to Ireland after many years overseas, including Chief Financial Officer, Alan Jenkins, previously with AWAS, an Australian aircraft leasing company, and Chief Commercial Officer, Cian Dooley, who was with Boeing in Seattle.
Office suites, from 200,000 sq ft to corporate headquarters in excess of 100,000 sq ft, available. The office design and the super warm fit-out, prepared in advance with installed air conditioning and heating, allows occupation within 6 – 8 weeks from agreement.
• BUILDINGS There are 7 buildings currently planned around the oval-shaped hill of the campus. The 4th unit will commence towards the end of 2008.
• LOCATION Parkland campus of 38 acres (15.4ha), enjoying panoramic views of Shannon International Airport and Shannon Free Zone close to national motorway.
• IT FACILITIES The pre-designed, planned and constructed telehouses, with a resilient backbone fibre, allow a choice of carrier and multiple carriers, where required, by tenants. Currently there are 6 different carriers providing service to the campus.
• LANDSCAPING Over 75% of the campus infrastructure is in place, including roads, pathways and walkways, with over 10,000 semi-mature trees planted.
• EMPLOYMENT 700 people are employed in companies located on campus to date.
www.westparkshannon.com
PIVOTAL ROLE FOR ENTERPRISE IRELAND’S NEW NATIONAL HQ AT WESTPARK SHANNON necessary to achieve global scale is now a key national objective,” said Mr Flood. Initiatives being taken by EI to drive entrepreneurship and balanced development in all regions include: • Promoting high potential start-ups (HPSUs). • Working with third-level colleges. • Establishing community enterprise centres. • Engaging with existing clients, including less active companies. • Working in partnership with other agencies to promote entrepreneurship and support start-up activity.
Enterprise Ireland, the government agency with responsibility for the development of the indigenous industry sector, has located one of its national divisional headquarters at Westpark Shannon. The Entrepreneurship and Regional Development Division will play a central role in guiding Ireland’s future economic prospects. The Enterprise Ireland (EI) national HQ for all its regional operations is to further promote balanced development and thriving entrepreneurship throughout Ireland. “Growing vibrant, export-led Irish companies in all regions is fundamental to the country’s economic success in coming years,” said Brendan Flood, Enterprise Ireland. “This drive is not directed at lessening Dublin’s future potential but rather at vigorously counterbalancing its expansion. It aims to develop strong Irish-owned companies and a spirit of enterprise in all parts of Ireland,” he added. Mr Flood is Divisional Manager in charge of the Entrepreneurship & Regional Development HQ at Westpark Shannon. This 70-strong team, based in a 20,000 sq ft
Brendan Flood, Divisional Manager, Enterprise Ireland.
facility, will have overall responsibility for all 10 EI regions that previously reported into Dublin. In addition to the National H.Q for Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, the Mid-West Region office will be based at Westpark, following the transfer of that role from Shannon Development. Also housed there is a co-ordination unit for the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards, and a number of industry sector specialists with a national responsibility. Initiatives “Multinationals are, and will continue to be, critical to Ireland’s economy. However, growing a cohort of Irish companies with the ambition, leadership and innovation
Brendan Flood on… Westpark Shannon’s role The strategic positioning and world-class campus facilities of Westpark Shannon are very important to Enterprise Ireland as its steps up its national regional development drive, the Enterprise Ireland HQ manager said. With an impressive parkland setting and well-equipped Conference Centre, the Park is an ideal venue for our regular Regional Director meetings and all contact with clients.
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Located right beside the International Airport, it’s also perfectly situated to host international gatherings. For instance, in October, we will welcome officials from 31 EI overseas offices, as well as indigenous companies from the Midlands, Mid-West and South-West Regions, to an ‘International Markets Week’ event in Westpark.
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ULearning brings academia and industry together The availability of a skilled workforce and the continuous development of employee skills are critical to the ongoing success story of industry in Ireland, Piers Devereux, CEO of Olympus Life Research Ireland, has said.
To find out more about locating in Westpark Shannon
The top executive of the Co. Clare-based life sciences manufacturer made his remarks when officially launching the ULearning Skillnet programme, www.ulearning.ie at Westpark Shannon.
T: +353 (0) 61 479111 F: +353 (0) 61 479899 info@westparkshannon.com
ULearning brings together academia and industry to offer flexible, modular learning for individuals. Programmes are offered in the areas of science, technology and engineering at levels 7, 8 and 9, equivalent to degree and masters level qualifications. Westpark Shannon is the promoter of the ULearning network, which has its offices on the Westpark campus. Other key participants are the Atlantic University Alliance and industry member companies.
Visit:
www.westparkshannon.com Contact:
At the launch L to R: Prof. Eamonn Murphy, Enterprise Research Centre, UL, Piers Devereux, CEO, Olympus Life Research Ireland, Dr Ingrid Hunt, ULearning Network Manager, Mat Kujawa, ULearning Skillnet Programme Support Manager and Brian O’Connell, Managing Director, Westpark Shannon.
Further information on the ULearning Network and programmes can be had from the Network’s offices at Westpark Shannon. Tel: 061 708835. Email: info@ulearning.ie or from Network Manager, Dr Ingrid Hunt at Ingrid.Hunt@ul.ie
“Connections” is a publication of Westpark Shannon Limited, the developer of Westpark Shannon. Note: While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of this publication, no liability is accepted for error or omission.
www.westparkshannon.com