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Cavan-based manufacturer O'Reilly Concrete has worked with its recent innovation partner to develop a new product.
The firm, a specialist in the design, manufacture and erection of pre-cast frame buildings, was one of only five businesses across the island recognised for its innovation capabilities by InterTradeIreland. They participated in the cross-border body's FUSION programme, which supports local businesses to partner with a research institution and employ a graduate project manager, that InterTradeIreland helps to fund. The graduate works directly with the business to deliver new products or improved processes over 12 to 18 months.
O’Reilly Concrete was partnered with graduate Guruprassad Bhat and the academic team from Southern Regional College. This innovative collaboration helped the company design a new type of modular style wall panel for domestic homes, that improves insulation performance.
Emmet Cosgrove, Group Operations Director, explained: "The core of our company is continual innovation and product development. In order for us to achieve growth we need to invest in technology and constantly develop the quality of our concrete product range. InterTradeIreland's FUSION programme gave O'Reilly Concrete the opportunity to develop an innovative product which can be solely targeted at the domestic market.
"Having a dedicated graduate available to the company was invaluable for this, as it gave us the manpower and skills to research areas of our business. We have now developed more products that will no doubt win new business in the future.
"I would recommend FUSION to any business that understands the value of innovation. It gives you the opportunity to meet customer need and stand out from your competitors."
Alan Morrow, Director of Operations for InterTradeIreland said: "O'Reilly Concrete is a great example of what can be achieved through enterprise, collaboration and innovation. It is important that we recognise their success, which we hope will encourage other SMEs to participate in the FUSION Programme to improve their productivity and increase their revenue potential.
"O'Reilly Concrete is one of only five businesses across the island that has been awarded FUSION Exemplar status. Between them, the businesses have reported sales of more than 2.2 million and savings of over £150K during their FUSION projects. Combined, the five SMEs have anticipated sales of upwards of £14 million and savings of £400K, over the next three years."
