Thirty-one jobs are to be created at an aluminium design firm, it has been revealed.

Architectural and Metal Systems (AMS), which develops aluminium window and door systems, is to spend eight million euro expanding its plant in Cork.

Batt O'Keeffe, Enterprise Minister, said AMS was an ambitious export-led Irish firm with innovation at the heart of its business.

"AMS has responded to the call for economic recovery by implementing an ambitious investment plan based on cutting-edge technology with a strong export-based focus," he said.

"The result is an important jobs boost for Cork and enhanced competitiveness for other Irish firms that will soon be able to source aluminium extrusion products here at home."

AMS runs an aluminium extrusion plant in Little Island, Co Cork, the first of its kind in Ireland, producing lengths of precision aluminium, an essential raw material for window and door-makers, engineers and sign manufacturers.

Established in Cork 20 years ago, it employs 66 workers. The new jobs are supported by the Government through Enterprise Ireland and recruitment is under way. The new extrusion plant will help the firm to boost exports and improve competitiveness.

The plant will also be able to supply other Irish firms which until now have depended on imports.

Chris Martin, AMS managing director, said: "This investment is the culmination of a long-held ambition of the directors to have all the processes from extrusion to powder-coating and fabrication on the one site."