It’s hoped there’s plenty of scope for future investment in the medtech sector in Clare following today’s €6 million announcement in Shannon.
Smithstown Light Engineering will begin hiring for 60 new positions in the new year, after unveiling their new 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility today.
Today’s €6 million announcement marks a quadrupling of Smithstown Light Engineering’s Shannon facility.
The second-generation family owned company currently employs 128 staff with this development set to see that number increase by 60.
Recruitment will begin in the New Year, with all 60 positions expected to be filled in the coming two to three years, as new machinery and equipment is added to the plant.
Managing Director of the firm Gerard King says it’s a busy time in their sector and they’re taking full advantage of it.
Work on getting this new manufacturing facility over the line has been done in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland.
With a booming medtech sector, medical devices account for 10% of Ireland’s total exports while we’re second only to Germany in Europe in terms of the volume of equipment produced.
John Shiel of Enterprise Ireland says this is evidence of scope for plenty more announcements down the line.
The announcement has been described as significant by Clare’s Junior Jobs Minister Pat Breen, particularly in light of recent job losses in the county.
Molex and Avara Pharma in Shannon, Roche in Clarecastle as well as West Clare’s Moneypoint have all seen cuts in recent times.
CEO of Shannon Chamber Helen Downes says today’s announcement is badly needed but says they are putting measures in place to help workers who are facing a job loss link up with companies like Smithstown Light Engineering.
