Douglas Control & Automation has announced a management transition within the leadership team with the appointment of John O’Sullivan as managing director, and has also revealed it will create 40 jobs at the Industrial IOT, cybersecurity and robotics firm within the next two years.

After 19 years at the helm, Eugene Pigott, former MD, is taking on a new role within the company as chairman/company secretary.

John O’Sullivan joined the company in 1995 and has been engineering director since 2003.

Eugene Pigott and John O'Sullivan

Pigott said: “This transition is a new milestone in the company’s continued expansion and planning for the future. We pride ourselves on our reputation for quality, integrity and delivering 'automation solutions that perform'.”

O’Sullivan said: “Having been with the company for more than 25 years, it is a real honour to lead the company through the next phase of its expansion and growth. I look forward to working with our talented team of engineers and partners to continue providing process automation solutions to our valued customers, while expanding our offering in the exciting fields of Industrial IOT, cybersecurity and robotics.”

The company also announced the creation of 40 jobs over the next two years, with positions for project managers, automation engineers, validation specialists and technicians across various sectors.

O’Sullivan said: “As we offer support to our manufacturing customers, we are seeing an increased demand for skilled professionals at all levels, as well as within our expanding team of engineering specialists in our Cork and Leinster offices.”