Precision engineering firm expands with new Shannon facility

Irish precision engineering firm Smithstown Light Engineering has opened a new manufacturing facility in Shannon, County Clare.

The company serves medical device and orthopaedic companies and the facility will create up to 60 new jobs over the next two years after tripling the size of its second production facility.

New roles for engineering machinists, programmers and quality control specialists are likely to be created. It will also house an innovation centre so the precision engineering firm can collaborate with customers in R&D, examine opportunities with new technologies in the additive manufacturing sector and potentially deliver advanced technology roles.

Gerard King, CEO at Smithstown Light Engineering, said: “Our ongoing investment and expansion of our production capabilities reflects our commitment to be at the cutting edge of leading technologies. Since our inception 45 years ago, we have transitioned from a parts production company to a global leader in new technologies and advanced manufacturing methods for the medtech sector at home and abroad. I would like to thank our staff and Enterprise Ireland for their invaluable support and commitment over the years.

“This is about future-proofing. Our customers are experiencing incredible growth and are keen to reduce lead times in sourcing products around the world. This expansion ensures we can keep up with their growing demand for ultra-precision products used in lifesaving treatments.”

The Enterprise Ireland supported company has invested over €6 Million in the last 12 months in new machining technologies along with the 30,000 sq ft manufacturing floor extension.

Enterprise Ireland senior development advisor, John Shiel added: “Smithstown Light Engineering is a vital component of the ever-growing life sciences industry in Ireland, and today’s announcement is particularly positive for the Shannon region.

“Each of Enterprise Ireland’s nine regional teams are strategically focused on driving regional development and supporting companies such as Smithstown to expand and build scale globally. Sustained investment is an important aspect of that work and it ultimately means investing in Ireland’s regions and domestic job creation. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the company’s management and staff here in Shannon and are excited to see what is next for the company.”