NEWS KUKA Ireland celebrates 10 years of growth & innovation


Since setting up its Irish operation in 2014,  technologies across the entire Irish manufacturing sector, in industries as diverse as biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and beverage, aerospace, metal fabrication, R&D and academia. The rapid growth in Ireland, alongside a heightened awareness of the advantages of automated processes, has prompted the expansion of the KUKA facility footprint at the Brewery Business Park site. This expansion aims to accommodate the surge in activity and personnel, driven by the escalating demand for KUKA’s products and solutions, which continues to grow


apace. To celebrate this success, KUKA recently held an open house event over three days, when customers, partners and special guests were able to tour the expanded facility, network with industry peers and learn more about the leading automation solutions offered by KUKA Robotics. Brian Cooney, KUKA Ireland’s chief executive, said: “As our business thrives within Ireland’s dynamic manufacturing landscape, expanding our Dundalk facility footprint and investing in refurbishment and  represents our commitment to continued growth and innovation.


“It is immensely satisfying to see our infrastructure


evolve alongside our local achievements, empowering us to reach greater heights in the realm of innovative robotic technologies.”


500,000+ industrial robots shipped in 2023


Overall global industrial robot shipment volumes exceeded 500,000 units in 2023, according to  This was a similar level to that seen in 2022 but the average price of industrial robots decreased


last year. After a record high in 2021, 2023 reached a low point in terms of revenues and shipments but the long-term forecast remains positive. The global industrial robot market is expected to grow on average, by 3.7% per year between


2024 and 2028. The top three most common applications


Coleraine-based manufacturer Maine Surface Finishing has secured planning approval for a new £10 million facility. A specialist provider of steel fabrications,  Ireland’s equipment manufacturing cluster, the company was founded in 1997 by E


– material handling, welding and assembly – accounted for over 70% of industrial robot market revenues in 2023, with material handling accounting for one-third on its own. Maya Xiao, research manager at Interact Analysis,


said: “The average price per unit of an industrial robot is on a downward trajectory, following a rise for two consecutive years, and we expect a price decline of around 3% per year between 2024 and 2028.


“The Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with high


 increase in 2022. We originally expected robot prices to decrease again in 2023, but ongoing  creeping up to levels close to those seen in 2022. This increased “price effect” was also partially due to the market trend towards heavy payload robots, which are materially a more expensive product.”


The Exact Group invests over £300,000 to expand capabilities


The Exact Group has joined an illustrious  highest performing world-leading ceramic coating, following a £300,000 investment, which it said will further elevate the company’s capabilities within sectors including aerospace, defence and medical. The successful bid for this accreditation is the result of four years’ work within the company,  UK, and investment in research and development (R&D), innovative technology and new machinery. The investment has enabled The Exact Group


to develop specialist skills that will ensure it can meet the rigorous cosmetic, volume, regulatory and testing requirements of its growing customer


6 June 2024 Irish Manufacturing


    Ronan Callan, The Exact Group’s director


base across many sectors. A specialised cleanroom environment for


the Cerakote application process has been 


of operations, said: “This latest development demonstrates our commitment to constantly evolving our products to anticipate and meet each customer’s unique requirements. “Our new accredited status and the completion of training with Cerakote will  enhancing our reputation as a technical expert in delivering complex and highly specialised services.”


www.irish-manufacturing.com


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