Minister Humphreys Launches New Atlantic Med-Tech Cluster
Eight indigenous med-tech specialist companies have formed a business cluster to promote Ireland as a global centre of excellence for the industry. The Atlantic MedTech Cluster is one of the first collaborative groups set up under Enterprise Ireland’s Clustering Programme. The cluster has been launched in Sligo by Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD.
The Atlantic MedTech Cluster is a collaborative business organisation which has created a platform for the promotion and sourcing of medical device design and manufacturing in Ireland. It allows potential clients to access multiple med-tech service providers in Ireland, as well as giving clients the option of cluster members collaborating on projects which would streamline project management, resources and delivery.
The companies involved in setting up the Atlantic MedTech Cluster are: Arrotek, ATS, iNBLEX Plastics, Pharma Stainless, SL Controls, Tool & Gauge, Verus Precision and Ward Automation. The companies, which are all based in the North West of Ireland, are specialists in many med-tech areas, including product development, metrology, automation, precision engineering, manufacturing and software integration.
Combined, the companies have annual revenue of €33 million and employ 287 people in the region. They serve 282 customers between them – with 17 of the top 20 worldwide med-tech companies among their clients.
Commenting on the cluster, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD said: “Enterprise Ireland’s Clustering Programme is an element of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and is designed to encourage groups of businesses to collaborate to achieve specific objectives, improve competitive advantage, and ultimately, create jobs. The programme, which is based on international best practice, is supported jointly by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and the Local Enterprise Offices. The Atlantic Medtech Cluster is an excellent example of what can be achieved under this initiative. Its eight members are already establishing an international presence under this unified structure and I wish the Cluster continued success.”