Polymer Technology Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the polymer technology sector in Ireland, recently launched its 2020 strategy ‘Polymer technology: The backbone of Irish manufacturing’ setting out how the industry is driving manufacturing growth and adding high quality jobs in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Polymer Technology Ireland Director Mark McAuley said: “Polymer technology is a growing industry in Ireland with the number of companies rising to 230 which boasts an annual turnover of €2.1 billion. This has driven strong jobs growth of 7.7% in the past couple of years with 7,000 now working across Ireland with major hubs in Athlone, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Dublin, Cork and Waterford.
The high-tech polymer industry is a driver of innovation in the medtech, ICT, biopharma, agri-food and automotive sectors. As well as being an industry of regional significance, the polymer sector is making a global impact with 77% of sales exported worth €1.62 billion annually.
Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, TD said: “Ireland continues to be a thriving hub for the polymer technology sector and we are now one of the largest exporters of polymer products in Europe. The polymer industry offers immense potential and capability and continues to be a critical partner to the broad manufacturing sectors in Ireland. I welcome the launch of this new Polymer Technology Strategy, both as a showcase of Ireland’s talent in this space, and as a driver of industry-led skills and innovation for the future.”
“I will be working hard with my colleagues across Government, in collaboration with the Enterprise agencies under my remit, to help ensure that the polymer technology industry continues to grow in Ireland.”
