Software leader relocates its EMEA HQ to Dublin

Autodesk makes design software and services for industries including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment. Founded in the USA in 1982, it has revenues of over €5 billion and employs more than 13,700 people. 
 

Centralising global functions in Ireland

Autodesk already had its EMEA headquarters located in Neuchatel, Switzerland, when it decided to relocate this operation to Dublin in 2017. The company chose Ireland for several reasons: the quality of available talent, the ease of access as a location, the business-friendly environment and cost-effectiveness. Another attraction was Ireland’s labour laws which are considered more flexible than in other European countries. 

Autodesk’s EMEA HQ handles several functions including transactions, accounts, tax and payroll, inside sales and product localisation, so it needed to support and acquire a wide range of skills. The project created 200 new jobs. 

In planning for the move, Autodesk chose a six-month overlap period to run its Swiss and Irish operations in parallel and invested in employee training to ensure a smooth transition. Within a year, the Irish office reached the same productivity level as the Swiss hub, which had been in place for more than 20 years with many experienced employees. 
 

How Ireland helps Autodesk

• Autodesk relocated its EMEA HQ from Switzerland to Ireland in 2017
• 200 roles at Dublin site, handling multiple functions
• Talent availability and flexible labour market were attractive to Autodesk
• <12 months for the Irish HQ to reach its predecessor’s productivity levels