A newly constructed 40,000 sq ft manufacturing facility was officially opened by Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen in Shannon, Co Clare yesterday. 

Smithstown Light Engineering, a precision engineering firm serving the top medical device and orthopaedic companies in the world, has trebled the size of its new (second) production facility and will create up to 60 new jobs over the next two years.
 
The new facility will create 60 new jobs over a two to three year period, creating roles for engineering machinists, programmers and quality control specialists. 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. 
 
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. 
 
Speaking yesterday, Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen said, "This expansion and the announcement today of 60 new high quality jobs is very welcome news for the Shannon area and is an endorsement of Ireland’s growing reputation as a global leader in Life Sciences and medical devices."
 
CEO at Smithstown Light Engineering, Gerard King added, "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."

Source: www.businessworld.ie