LIMERICK digital technology company Analog Devices International (ADI) is to invest €100 million and create 250 new jobs over the next three years in a 100,000 sq ft innovation centre at its campus on the Raheen Business Park.
A global leader in the design and manufacture of analog and digital integrated circuits, Analog Devices already employs 1,300 workers at its Limerick plant.
The ADI Catalyst centre will allow customers, business partners, and suppliers engage with Analog Devices to develop industry-leading solutions by using new technology in simulated environments.
The newly created jobs at Catalyst will primarily focus on the development of software-enabled solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) innovations in areas such as Industry 4.0, sustainable energy, automotive electrification, and next generation connectivity.
One of the current Catalyst projects is focused on the design of car safety systems including the development of more effective airbag sensors. In the healthcare sector, ADI is working to create manufacturing systems that enable the rapid changeover of production lines for personalised treatments like human implants and artificial T cell receptors for use in immunotherapy.
ADI opened its European manufacturing and R&D hub in 1976 in Limerick which remains ADI’s European headquarters which now employs more than 2,200 people across 14 European sites.
Analog Devices chief executive Vincent Roche said that ADI Catalyst was the company’s latest investment in the future of innovation, not just in Ireland or Europe, but globally.
“It provides the ideal environment to connect, collaborate, test, and pilot new technologies, business models, and ecosystems. ADI Catalyst will enable us to share ideas, capabilities, and resources with teams in Europe, and around the world, for the greater good.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that the ADI Catalyst project was a further example of Analog Devices’ ongoing commitment to Ireland.
“In a world where technology continues to permeate every facet of our lives, continued investment in today’s modern digital economy has never been more important. ADI Catalyst further reinforces Limerick and Ireland’s position as both a manufacturing hub for semiconductors and a centre of excellence for innovation in Europe.”
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar welcomed Analog’s investment in new and emerging technologies in AI and machine learning, automotive electrification and next generation connectivity, including 5G applications.
“These are really exciting areas which will create the jobs of the future”, he added.
IDA Ireland chief executive Martin Shanahan said that by choosing to expand operations in Limerick, ADI had selected a region with a buoyant business ecosystem, a strong track record of established global businesses and talented and highly skilled workforce.
Limerick Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell said that Analog Devices have been a significant presence in Limerick for over 45 years and throughout this time had provided large scale investment and employment.
“An investment of this scale, both in terms of capital and job creation is a firm statement of confidence by Analog Devices (ADI) in what Brand Limerick continues to offer as a strategic business location, including both the quality of the available workforce and the graduates from our local third level institutions, UL, TUS Limerick, and MIC”.
