US electronics firm Analog Devices is to invest €23m in R&D in its plant in Raheen, Co Limerick, it was announced today.
The investment, which is supported by the Government through IDA Ireland, is in the company’s manufacturing division.
Analog Devices plans to develop new semiconductor process technologies for the medical instrumentation, communications, industrial applications and the automotive industries around the world at its Limerick facility.
Analog Devices, which set up in Limerick in 1977, employs over 1,000 workers in high-end manufacturing and design.
“Analog Devices’ investment will strengthen the firm’s strategic position in the global semiconductor industry and consolidate its presence in Limerick,” said the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe TD today.
“The Government is eager to support innovation and R&D activity in indigenous enterprises and multinationals so it is encouraging that a company of Analog Devices’ calibre is investing in its team and operation in Ireland.
“Analog Devices’ investment is entirely consistent with the Government’s vision for a ‘smart’ economy based on high-quality jobs in the marketplace of ideas,” Minister O’Keeffe added.
Broadening research mandate
According to Analog Devices’ VP of manufacturing, Dennis Dempsey: “The decision to further invest in R&D at our Limerick campus is a very positive one for our local operations and is in keeping with the focus on innovation, investment and change that has always been at the forefront of our operations here, both in high-end manufacturing and integrated circuit design.
“This new investment will facilitate broadening the scope of the company’s research mandate as we undertake new process developments for the corporation.
“Our Limerick-based team will be driving technological developments based on our customers’ rapidly evolving needs across a wide range of industries throughout the globe.
“Our high-end manufacturing operations and our highly skilled workforce will continue to maintain their competitive edge as a result of this investment,” he added.
According to IDA Ireland CEO Barry O’Leary, Analog Devices’ €23m Irish investment will further embed the US company’s operations here.
Analog Devices has a number of long-term partnerships in place with educational institutions in Ireland. It is proposed that some of the R&D work will be carried out in conjunction with these institutions, specifically with the Tyndall Institute in University College Cork in the first instance.
