Thatâs according to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey who said that the Cluster has set an effective template for collaborative effort among other businesses on the Shannon Free Zone.
He was speaking after Enterprise and Innovation Minister Heather Humphreys told him that the cluster has recruited a number of specialist consultants in the key territories of France, Germany, UK, and USA to target opportunities across a number of key segments of the industry.
Minister Humphreys said that her Department has long recognised the major contribution that the aviation sector plays in Irelandâs economy by providing skilled, quality jobs around the country.
âIn addition, as an island nation it is essential for our tourism industry and trading relationships to connect Ireland with the rest of the world.
âThe aircraft manufacturing industry is increasingly moving towards tiered manufacture and larger entities are capturing market share. It is a competitive industry, and the best way for Ireland to win business is for companies to pool resources and create entities that will enable members to bid for contracts that are not possible on an individual basis. This is the model that Emerald Aero Cluster has adopted.
âThe Emerald Aero Cluster was approved for funding under the first call of Enterprise Irelandâs Regional Enterprise Development Fund. The Cluster is comprised of 14 indigenous manufacturing companies and is working to develop Ireland â and the Mid-West region in particular â as a hub for excellence in global aerospace manufacturing.
âThe Cluster has made good progress to-date having succeeded in winning numerous high value contracts for its members and attended international trade shows. It has recruited a number of specialist consultants in the key territories of France, Germany, UK, and USA to target key industry opportunities across a number of key segments of the industry.
âI look forward to seeing the further progress this cluster of innovative companies makes in the futureâ, the Minister concluded.
