A national centre of excellence for Ireland-based manufacturers has officially been opened in County Limerick.

Based in IDA Ireland National Technology Park, the Digital Manufacturing Ireland (DMI) boasts a unique technology offering in the form of a fully representative end to end Physical and Digital Production Line with digital twin capabilities designed to provide DMI clients with access to the latest digital technologies, expertise and deployment support in a real-world manufacturing environment. Industry led, and resourced to solve manufacturing industry challenges, DMI will be instrumental in ensuring the future resilience and competitiveness of Irish-based manufacturing.   

Digital Manufacturing Ireland (DMI) is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Speaking at the opening on Monday 27 March, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD said: "I am delighted to join the Digital Manufacturing Ireland Board, IDA Ireland, and industry representatives at the launch today. DMI is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland and will play a pivotal role in advancing the future competitiveness of the manufacturing sector as well as supporting the delivery of Ireland's Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025.

"Over 270,000 are employed across MNCs and SMEs in manufacturing in Ireland and are developing and producing world leading products for global supply. As the world's supply chains continue to be disrupted, competitiveness challenges prevail and international competition for investment intensifies, it has never been more important for Ireland to invest in the future of its core manufacturing capability. Digital Manufacturing Ireland will support Ireland's manufacturing base in remaining at the forefront of digital transformation and ensure that Ireland is recognised internationally as having a vibrant, collaborative, competitive and digitally enabled industry base.

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"This is directly in line with Government's goal to ensure Ireland remains resilient, competitive and absolutely ready to win the next wave of manufacturing investment."

Mary Buckley, Interim CEO of IDA Ireland commented: "Enhancing Ireland's manufacturing capability is a strategic national priority and a core component of the transformation agenda within IDA Ireland's Strategy - Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024. Engaging with industry, we recognise the challenges facing companies as they balance the need to drive competitiveness with the disruption and opportunities around new technologies. DMI will ensure that Irish based manufacturers have access to the infrastructure, technology and skills to help them solve real issues and to kickstart and continue to drive their digital transformation journeys."

Lionel Alexander, Chairperson of Digital Manufacturing Ireland Board added: "We are delighted to have officially opened our world-class facility today alongside IDA Ireland and the Irish Government. The manufacturing sector in Ireland, from medtech and biopharma to food and drink and engineering, is a key contributor to Ireland's economic resilience and ongoing economic success. After the unprecedented global disruption of the last 24-months, now more than ever, it is critical for our manufacturing sector to deploy the new technologies and tools to serve the drive for innovation and ultimately business differentiation.

"We are committed to supporting all manufacturers regardless of their size or level of technological maturity in their transformation journey, right across their manufacturing value chain, through collaborations and partnerships. We will provide a platform to test and create new technologies and use-cases in an industry environment, but also provide the necessary training and capabilities among the Irish workforce to effectively compete by being digital-first."

Digital Manufacturing Ireland has also announced a new strategic partnership with global Medical Technologies company Edwards Life Sciences to focus on digital transformation across its sites in Limerick and Clare.