23rd October 2017
IDA Ireland today welcomed the news that Henkel Ireland, will establish a major Additive Manufacturing project in Tallaght, Dublin, where the global company already has a significant manufacturing and R&D operation for a wide range of adhesive technologies, serving a global market. Henkel, which also owns beauty care, laundry and home care divisions, is the world’s largest adhesives manufacturer.
Henkel’s Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) project, which is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, will employ 40 highly skilled scientists and engineers who will develop new advanced materials for use in precision manufacturing industries, such as medical devices, automotive and aerospace.
Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business unit is developing novel materials customized for various 3D Printing processes and technologies and is constantly expanding partnerships with global technology leaders. Ireland was selected because of the country’s strength in high value medical device R&D and manufacturing, coupled with a growing investment profile in Additive Manufacturing. Henkel’s R&D team based in Tallaght has a wealth of scientific knowledge and experience in developing adhesive technologies with existing capability to develop 3D printing materials.
Welcoming the announcement, An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Frances Fitzgerald TD said: 'This is very welcome news by Henkel, which already employs 400 people in its operations in Dublin. The development of this new Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, employing 40 highly skilled staff, will further consolidate the company's operations in Ireland. Additive Manufacturing is a new and very innovative development for the manufacturing sector and this technology is likely to have a significant impact globally when its potential is fully developed. We very much appreciate Henkel's investment and the quality jobs being provided, which will help put Ireland at the forefront of a new and exciting chapter in manufacturing".
Henkel Technology Centre Director, Dr Matthew Holloway, said: “I’m excited that the IDA is supporting this R&D Project. Additive Manufacturing will be a significant disruptor to future manufacturing methodologies and it is important for the team in Ireland to help shape this change. We have a proven track record of developing world-class adhesives and look forward to focusing our expertise on creating new chemistries and technologies for 3D Printing. Henkel recognises the strength of relationships with the research community in Ireland and this will enhance our capability to innovate.”
Speaking following the announcement Martin Shanahan CEO of IDA Ireland said: “As a long-standing client employing 400 people, IDA Ireland works very closely with Henkel. This move is a significant departure for Henkel into a new emerging technology. I have no doubt that the company will be able to successfully utilise their wealth of scientific knowledge with adhesive technologies to produce innovative additive manufacturing technologies. Henkel’s investment will help to further develop a pronounced national competency in high performance materials for additive manufacturing.
Ireland is ranked as one of the best countries in the world for business with top rated resilient supply chains which has enabled companies like Henkel to thrive and succeed here.”
About Henkel:
Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business units: Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care and Adhesive Technologies. Every day, millions of customers and consumers use products from Henkel with brands such as Loctite, Sellotape and UniBond; Bloo, Dylon and Colour Catcher; Schwarzkopf, LIVE, Got2B and RightGuard.
In Ireland, Henkel employees circa 400 staff and has three sites; Tallaght (Adhesives R&D, production, bottling & packaging), Ballyfermot (adhesives manufacturing) & Little Island, Cork (DYLON Colour Catcher manufacturing).
In 2016, Henkel reported global sales of €18.7bn and an adjusted operating profit of €3.2bn. Its shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.
ENDS
For further information:
IDA Press Office: 01 6034258/01 6034289
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