I was delighted to cut the ribbon at the official opening of Natus’s new distribution centre in Gort this morning.

Natus is a medical device company that employs 125 people in the town and has plans to increase that number to 200 in the coming years, starting with 25 in the near future.

As chairperson of the Atlantic Economic Corridor Task Force, providing regional jobs and attracting overseas investment is to core to our aims and activities.

Every single new job is of benefit, bringing with it career development, skills opportunities and financial stability.

I was joined for the ribbon-cutting by Natus’s CEO Jonathan Kennedy, who flew over from the company’s headquarters in Pleasanton, California.

Much closer to home, the company’s lead in Gort is Seán Langan, a neighbour of mine who I have know for many years.

I want to congratulate Seán and his team for the efforts they have made to grow and expand the business.

Natus has shown a real commitment to Gort. As the recent news of progress for the expansion of Gort Community School has demonstrated, the town is moving forwards in a very positive way.