WP Engine, a global web enablement company for websites built on WordPress, is marking ten years of growth in Ireland. This means the firm is marking a major milestone for its Limerick office. It also shows WP Engine’s commitment to the people, businesses and economy of Ireland for the long term. Most importantly, WP Engine has invested €98 million into Irish operations. The investment has led to a significant strengthening of the regional economy.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, WP Engine first opened its Irish office in September 2016. At that time, the team consisted of just 10 employees. Since then, however, growth has been remarkable. Today, the Limerick office sits on Henry Street. Meanwhile, it has expanded into a strategic international hub. More than 70 people currently work from these premises. Also, there are close to 100 people employed across Ireland. These teams include finance, customer success, engineering, product, and HR. So, they support WP Engine customers and colleagues all over the world.
There’s a reason Limerick was WP Engine’s first Irish base, and it’s a good one. Specifically, the region offered exceptional technology talent. Moreover, it featured a strong education sector. Additionally, Limerick had a growing reputation for international investment. Over the past decade, this decision has paid off. Indeed, WP Engine has supported over 180,000 customers through Ireland-led work.
“It’s amazing to see what a decade of resilience can do. I am so proud to see the WP Engine Ireland team grow into a global hub that touches almost every part of our business,” said Heather Brunner, Chairwoman and CEO of WP Engine. “Being based in the heart of Limerick has given us access to extraordinary talent, and it’s a big part of why this office has scaled the way it has over the past decade.”
Building Strong Community Partnerships
WP Engine has also built lasting partnerships across Ireland. For instance, the company works closely with the University of Limerick. Similarly, it collaborates with IDA Ireland and Limerick City and County Council. Through these partnerships, WP Engine supports employment and skills development. Specifically, this happens through co-op programmes, Transition Year placements, and mentorships.
“Over the years, 40 University of Limerick students have completed their placements with WP Engine, spanning a range of disciplines including AI, risk, computing and design. This is a reflection not only of WP Engine’s evolution as an organisation, but also of its longstanding commitment to developing emerging talent and creating meaningful opportunities for UL students to learn, contribute and grow,” said Dr Susan Daly, Manager of Co-op Education, Business and IT, at the University of Limerick. “We are delighted to have been part of the journey and look forward to continuing our partnership into the future.”
“WP Engine’s growth in Limerick over the past decade is an endorsement of the Mid West region’s technology talent and its established innovation ecosystem. Since 2016 the company has become an important part of Limerick’s technology cluster, from where it supports high-value global functions. Its continued investment, including the development of AI expertise in Ireland, reflects the strategic role regional locations play in helping FDI innovate and scale across Ireland,” said Dónal Travers, Executive Director IDA Ireland. “I wish WP Engine continued success as it marks this important milestone and look forward to our continued partnership as it embarks on the next phase of its growth.”
Looking ahead, WP Engine remains committed to Limerick. Accordingly, the company continues developing skills for future growth. Notably, the Irish team now leads WP Engine’s global AI adoption. In fact, this team helps shape the company’s internal AI roadmap. This year, WP Engine appointed its first AI Technical Architect in Ireland. Likewise, it appointed its first AI Principal Product Manager locally. Together, these hires strengthen local AI expertise. Ultimately, they create further opportunities for innovation and research.
“The technology landscape has changed enormously since we first arrived in Limerick in 2016. What’s remained constant is the quality of our people and their appetite to solve difficult problems and support our customers,” said Heather Brunner. “This milestone belongs to our customers and to the partners and organisations who’ve supported us along the way. We’re incredibly proud of our first ten years in Limerick, and excited about what the next ten will bring,” adds Brunner.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
