Nearly 800 Irish companies have opened offices in the U.S., providing employment for more than 10,000 people, according to new figures.

The value of Ireland’s foreign direct investment in the U.S. equated to more than $85B (€69B) in 2017, making Ireland the ninth largest source of FDI, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

In response to Brexit, Enterprise Ireland redoubled efforts to promote Irish business in America.

The results show an 18% rise in Enterprise Ireland client companies who opened offices in the U.S. in 2017 compared to the previous year.

The 59 offices opened last year included locations such as New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Washington, New Hampshire and Colorado.

Irish companies now operate in all 50 states across a wide range of industries including education, construction, medical devices, environmental and software.

“The strong employment figures of Irish businesses operating in the United States show depth of engagement and confidence in this market," Enterprise Ireland CEO Julie Sinnamon said.

“Irish businesses are partnering with U.S. business and putting feet on the ground to support those partnerships. I am especially encouraged by the diverse range of businesses and the high rate of innovation common to those partnerships.”