Manufacturing leaders remain optimistic, but adjust growth forecasts in face of geopolitical uncertainty
Ibec Medtech and Engineering today, 16 April, host the Manufacturing the Future Conference in The Galmont, Galway. Manufacturing continues to be a core engine of the Irish economy, adding over 20,000 direct jobs in 2024 to employ over 240,000 people. The sector's contribution grew significantly, generating €14.8 billion in wages, €3.35 billion in income taxes, and €224 billion in total goods exports, underpinning Ireland's public services and economic strength. This full-day conference brings together industry leaders, innovators, and policy experts to explore the trends, technologies, and strategies that are driving competitiveness and growth in Ireland’s medtech and engineering sectors.
Mike Farrell, Director of Transformation & Business Excellence, West Pharmaceutical Services noted, “Advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, including AI, are no longer optional for Ireland, they are the foundation of our industrial competitiveness. By embedding intelligence, automation and data across our factories, through a ‘human centric’ approach, we protect high‑value jobs, strengthen productivity, and ensure Ireland remains a global destination for advanced manufacturing.”
Irish Medtech Director Eoghan Ó Faoláin, said “Ireland is a manufacturing powerhouse standing out as the second greatest exporter of medical devices in Europe. But to remain competitive in a changing world we need to embrace the latest technologies and empower our workforces. That’s why I’m delighted to be joined by medtech leaders including: Boston Scientific’s Sean Dowd, on energy efficiency and carbon neutrality; Dexcom’s Adrian Furey on global manufacturing; and West’s Ann Clarkin on talent strategies. The most recent Ibec Manufacturing in Ireland revealed that while the sector here remains optimistic about growth, external pressures are driving more pragmatic attitudes with lower forecasts as business costs and trade uncertainties mounted.”
Engineering Industries Ireland Director Pauline O' Flanagan, Director, added “The engineering industry is an enabler of manufacturing success with the 11,906 enterprises, employing 62,068 Ireland people, across industrial automation, infrastructure, and beyond. With 3 out of five Ibec survey respondents highlighting trade uncertainties, attendees will benefit from Penn Engineering Global Executive Mary Ann Fleming who will share her global insights on supply chain resilience and crisis management. Additionally, Ibec’s Manufacturing in Ireland research revealed that a near-unanimous 97% planned to adopt AI to improve efficiency/productivity. BrightBeam, an organisation dedicated to pioneering advancements in the world of human and AI collaboration in enterprise, will lead a session focussed on the practical application of AI across selected pharma, medtech and engineering companies in Ireland today.
Polymer Technology Ireland Mark McAuley, concluded “With more than 200 polymer technology companies employing in excess of 6,500 people events like Manufacturing the Future offer a great opportunity to showcase how this innovative industry is a vital partner serving sectors from medtech and biotech to aerospace and food. As we look to the future, sustainability has been an area of change both with companies adapting to new ways of doing business like embracing the circular economy, as well as adjusting to new reporting requirements led by the EU. Manufacturing the Future brings both leaders and experts together to explore international trends and look at business best practice by building relationships.”
Building on last year’s success, Ibec’s Manufacturing Day Ireland returns on Friday, 2 October 2026. This initiative invites companies nationwide to open their doors to students and jobseekers, showcasing the nation's dynamic manufacturing sector and the innovation and diverse talent driving the sector.
Register your company here.
