NEWS
Schneider Electric’s “next generation of power distribution busway for data centres”
Schneider Electric has announced the launch of its I-Line Track Medium Power Distribution Busway. This next-generation power distribution busway has been designed specifically for use in data centre environments. I-Line Track provides an all-in-one solution to help build more flexible data centres which can meet today’s ever-growing need for fast and scalable construction alongside continuous optimisation. Its innovative design enables flexible deployment and rapid expansion of cloud edge colocations data centres. I-Line Track introduces a new open track design to ensure fast installation and enables data centre operators to keep up with unpredictable energy demands. It also features fool-proof self-
locking hot pluggable tap-off units, to maximise the service and reduce downtime, and its anti- corrosion and enhanced class B installation features make it extremely reliable. The open track design provides great flexibility
for both first-time installations and upgrades. Adding or relocating tap-off units is easier with the smart clamping system. Data centres using I-Line Track will be able to use its intelligent monitoring capabilities to gain unique insights. The solution collects and uploads these insights in real time to dashboards in the cloud or on the edge, enabling data centre operators to make informed business decisions. David Williams, vice president for transactional business at Schneider Electric, said I-Line Track
makes asset management in the data centre space more visual and proactive and system optimisation more sustainable. He added: “As businesses worldwide work together to prioritise sustainability, l-Line Track is set to emerge as a pivotal solution for those looking to make their data centre operations greener and more environmentally friendly.”
Maine Surface Finishing secures planning approval for £10m factory expansion
Coleraine-based manufacturer Maine Surface Finishing has secured planning approval for a new £10 million facility. A specialist provider of steel fabrications, protective coatings and final
assemblies to Northern Ireland’s equipment manufacturing cluster, the company was founded in 1997 by Eugene Dixon. Maine Surface Finishing’s plan for a new factory complex at Wattstown Business Park was originally announced as part of an Invest NI-backed expansion four years ago. Invest NI pledged £1.5m to support the move, which the company said
would involve the creation of 155 jobs. Planning approval for the project, which involves a new fabrication,
assembly and R&D facility, alongside new offices, was issued on May 2, 2024, just over three years after the full application was submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Maine Surface Finishing’s turnover grew to £32 million in 2022, more than double its turnover from 2019.
Increased labour costs hurting indigenous businesses
KPMG Enterprise Barometer 2024 unveils optimism and ambitious growth among Ireland’s indigenous businesses, with nearly two-thirds (65%) expecting to increase turnover within the next 12 months, compared to 55% in 2023. On behalf of KPMG, RED C
surveyed nearly 200 decision- makers in indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs across a broad range of industries. Almost two-fifths (39%) plan
to recruit more staff, and seven in ten (71%) expect to increase staff
6 May 2024 Irish Manufacturing
salaries in the next year. Meanwhile, over half (58%) plan to grow their business and nearly seven in ten (69%) intend to finance their expansion primarily through their own balance sheets or internally generated funds. Most (85%) say increased labour costs will be their most significant business challenge this year, doubling from 43% in 2023. Other business challenges that could impede growth and profitability include staff recruitment and retention issues (68%) and rising
inflation (64%). Alan Bromell, head of private
enterprise at KPMG in Ireland, said: “Entrepreneurship lies at the heart of the Irish economy, and understanding entrepreneurs’ aspirations and concerns is vital for informed policymaking. “There is a need for more
proactive measures to support domestic entrepreneurship grappling with the cost pressures on business operations.” Leo Clancy, chief executive,
Enterprise Ireland, added: “It’s vital
that businesses continue to focus on execution, operational excellence and innovation, in order to sustain and grow employment opportunities across Ireland.”
www.irish-manufacturing.com
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