Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) celebrated the official opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Ireland’s manufacturing sector.
Navigate challenges of modern, high-tech manufacturing
The centre is designed to equip the workforce with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the challenges of modern, high-tech manufacturing.
Since the establishment of the AMTCE in 2021, a total of €62.4m to date has been invested in it, of which €7m were funds administered by Enterprise Ireland.
L-R: James Lawless, higher education minister; Deirdre Craven, senior regional development executive, Enterprise Ireland; Martin O’Brien, chief executive LMETB; and Gerard Smith, director, AMTCE; with ‘Spot’ at the official opening of LMETB’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence.
Carol Gibbons, divisional manager for entrepreneurship, regions and local enterprise, Enterprise Ireland said: “The AMTCE has been supported by the Government’s Border Enterprise Development Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland, which provides support for collaborative, enterprise capability building projects, to advance entrepreneurship, productivity and innovation in the border region.
"Congratulations to the AMTCE on the official opening today, and in providing tailored space for the delivery of innovative training to address the skills needs in the high value advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, across the border region and nationally.”
SOLAS, under Andrew Brownlee, and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science strongly backed the concept, providing the remaining 20% match funding for both EI grants, which came to €1.4m.
DFHERIS and SOLAS contributed more than €26m to cover the cost of purchase of the AMTCE building and capital works at Xerox Technology Park in Dundalk.
The annual operational budget of about €7m is also provided by SOLAS which has come to €28m over the past four years.
The AMTCE has catered for 5,000 learners in the past three years and in excess of 5,000 are projected for 2025 and 2026.
The event, which was attended by key figures including James Lawless, higher education minister, and guests from various sectors, highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, education, and government in driving innovation and workforce development in Ireland.
Minister Lawless said: “I am delighted to be in Dundalk today to officially open this magnificent facility and to meet the people who will benefit from the learning opportunities offered here by LMETB.
"My department approved funding for LMETB to acquire and refurbish this building, at a cost of some €26m, with further investment in leading edge technology and equipment.
'Enhance range of training and further education programmes'
"The provision of technology training at the AMTCE campus enables LMETB to enhance their range of training and further education programmes, offering exciting new careers and employment opportunities for learners.”
Martin G O’Brien, chief executive of LMETB, said: “We are at a critical point where traditional manufacturing methods are giving way to cutting-edge technologies. AMTCE is designed to ensure that Ireland’s workforce is equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s industries.”
The AMTCE will serve as a hub for training and innovation, providing world-class education for apprentices, students, and workers at all stages of their careers. It will offer hands-on experience with the latest technologies, ensuring that learners gain the practical skills required by modern manufacturing businesses. The centre will also facilitate collaboration between industry leaders and educational institutions, fostering a culture of innovation and research.
“The Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence will play a pivotal role in bridging the skills gap and enabling our workforce to thrive in a fast-changing landscape,” said O’ Brien. “This facility exemplifies our commitment to building an innovative and resilient workforce that will drive Ireland’s future growth.”
National resource for advanced manufacturing training
The AMTCE will cater to a broad demographic, offering training in areas such as robotics, automation, cybersecurity, and 3D concrete printing. In collaboration with local businesses, the centre will provide upskilling programs for the workforce, ensuring that Irish manufacturers can stay competitive in an increasingly globalized economy.
The centre will also work closely with third-level institutions. This collaboration underscores the centre’s role as a catalyst for innovation and a key player in Ireland’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
The AMTCE’s impact extends beyond training. It is designed to support Ireland’s manufacturing sector in adapting to global challenges. O’Brien emphasised that the centre will enable Irish manufacturers to transition from high-volume, low-value production to high-value, low-volume production, positioning Ireland to win market share and attract more foreign direct investment.
“We are not just celebrating the opening of a new training facility. We are celebrating the future of Irish manufacturing, the people who will drive it forward, and Ireland’s ability to compete with the best in the world.”