Pure Storage makes EMEA pledge with Dublin support centre

First non-US facility opens today

Pure Storage has cut the ribbon on its first non-US support facility in Dublin as it pledges its commitment to the EMEA region.

The Irish facility will help Pure offer "deep technical expertise" to the region and will employ 18 local staff - a figure it wants to double by the end of the year.

Pure Storage has enjoyed strong sales since it first launched in the channel in 2013, with revenue in its most recent quarter ending 31 January rocketing 128 per cent year on year to $150m (£106.4m).

But its chief executive, Scott Dietzen, told CRN in January that international expansion is a priority for the company after admitting 80 per cent of its sales to date have come from the US.

In today's announcement on its arrival in Dublin, Pure said the new centre would help "provide greater support for customers in the EMEA region".

The new facility was opened with support from the Irish Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland, an organisation that promotes foreign investment in the country.

Pure's vice president for EMEA, James Petter, who joined the firm from EMC last year, said the new site in Ireland marks a significant milestone for the company.

"We see the opening of this facility as an opportunity to invest in Dublin," he said. "We have purposely hired, and are continuing to hire, local talent to help the local economy and to reinforce Ireland's position as a European tech hub."

Ireland's minister for jobs, enterprise and innovation, Richard Bruton, added: "I am delighted to welcome this announcement by Pure Storage. Technology is a key sector which we have targeted as part of our Action Plan for Jobs, and it has made a major contribution to the jobs growth we have seen in recent years. Today's announcement that Pure Storage is establishing a new facility in Dublin and expanding its employment is further good news in this area".