Industry Clusters in the Midlands

Industry Clusters in the Midlands

Across the Midlands a number of regional clusters are creating ecosystems which aid economic growth by promoting cooperation and collaboration. These clusters bring together industry, government and education to ensure continued competitive advantage for members and the region. For more information on industry clusters in the midlands click here.

  • Advanced Manufacturing: Advanced manufacturing is a key sector in the midlands region, with both indigenous businesses and FDI attracted to the manufacturing base across the four midlands counties. Several major players in this industry, particularly in life sciences, operate out of Co. Laois, including Greenfield Global and ALS Life Sciences. The Advanced Technology in Manufacturing Cluster (ATIM) supports the regions Advanced Manufacturing firms. ATIM aims to support the digital transformation of manufacturing SME’s. The cluster is funded by Enterprise Ireland and based in the TUS Athlone Campus. For more information on the Advanced Technology in Manufacturing Cluster click here.
  • Food & Drink: Food and drink is the largest sector in Co. Laois with a few major producers such as Tirlán, Leprino Foods, Odlum’s and First Ireland Spirits. The Laois Taste Network is another example in this sector. The Midlands Food & Drink cluster aims to promote consumption and export of local produce as well as engagement through education, marketing and business supports. For more information on the food & drink cluster click here.
  • Engineering: The midlands region is home to a significant engineering base, particularly in steel and fabrication, and with an increasing focus on technology. Engenuity is the Midlands Engineering cluster. It aims to promote market-led innovation, stakeholder collaboration and product/trade development among the members of the cluster and within the region. For more information on the Midlands Engineering Cluster, Engenuity, click here.
  • ICT Cluster: The midlands region is home to over 400 ICT businesses, and continues to grow, with the sector prioritised as an area of smart specialisation for the region. The Mildands ICT Cluster aims to bring together industry with government and academia and seeks to make the midlands an interntationally recognised centre of excellence in Smart Connected Technologies, whilst highlighting the region as a prime location to live, work and invest. For more information on the Midlands ICT Cluster, click here.