Irish automation in the spotlight
Automation and robotics are a key part of many manufacturing processes. This type of technology is growing in popularity in the medtech sector with many companies looking to take advantage of the process benefits it creates.
According to IDA Ireland, eight of the top 10 industrial automation companies have operations in Ireland, including Siemens, ABB, and Emerson.
Modular Automation supplies automation solutions for medtech multinationals. At the end of last year it announced plans to create 100 new jobs by 2023, supported by Enterprise Ireland.
The company also plans to expand its facility in Shannon, Co. Clare with the acquisition of land for development and ready-to-go production space to support immediate capacity requirements.
Modular Automation is dedicated to the medtech manufacturing sector and has over 25 years’ experience in this highly regulated space. The company believes that the expansion and job growth supports a growing demand for advanced automation solutions for the global medtech sector. The company is well regarded by its customer base including Johnson and Johnson, Stryker and Boston Scientific.
Ireland is the second-largest exporter of medical devices in Europe and nine of the 10 worlds’ top medtech companies are based there which means Modular is perfectly placed to serve their automation needs.
“Our team has doubled in the past five years to over 170 employees and due to growing demand, we now plan to create another 100 jobs over the next 3 years. We are also investing to substantially expand our facility to give us the capacity to deliver more for our customers both at home and across the US,” said Vivian Farrell, CEO, Modular Automation.
Modular has also opened a subsidiary in Jacksonville, Florida, allowing the company to expand its reach in North America and be located closer to its customers.
“This investment enables us to grow our technology and innovation programs focused around the development and implementation of advanced automation technologies. These are key enablers for our medtech customers to advance their manufacturing processes and systems,” commented Shane Cooke, engineering director.
The expansion will also include an Innovation Lab to demonstrate and develop the latest automation technologies which will facilitate their new and existing customers to remain competitive.
Stephen Creaner, executive director, Enterprise Ireland said: “Enterprise Ireland has worked closely with Modular Automation, both in Ireland and internationally since its establishment. It is a great example of an Irish company, headquartered in Shannon with a clear global ambition that is building its scale and expanding its reach internationally and growing its base of new high-quality jobs in Ireland. Through its commitment and investment in innovation, the company has successfully positioned itself to be a global leader in automation solutions for the growing medtech sector.”