John T Ohle Photography
Henkel AM Ireland.
Henkel Ireland's AM operation in South Dublin.
Henkel's Irish division has received government support for the launch of a 3D printing operation in the town of Tallaght in the country’s capital city.
IDA Ireland, the agency responsible for the attraction and development of foreign direct investment in Ireland, is the government branch supporting Henkel's establishment of the additive manufacturing department.
Already, the adhesives manufacturer has a manufacturing and R&D presence in Dublin, focusing on a wide range of adhesive technologies, serving customers around the world and employing around 400 people. The additive manufacturing efforts will give highly skilled scientists and engineers a platform to develop advanced materials suitable for a range of applications in various vertical markets. Those advanced materials will also be customised for a number of different 3D printing processes and technologies.
Henkel has selected Dublin as the setting for the additive manufacturing operation because of ‘the country’s strength in high value medical device R&D and manufacturing, coupled with a growing investment profile in additive manufacturing,’ per a company press release. Current Henkel staff based in Dublin are said to possess a wealth of scientific knowledge, experience with adhesives, and the capability to develop materials fit for 3D printing. It is thus that the company has decided to grow its interest in additive manufacturing, and do so in the city of Dublin.
“I’m excited that the IDA is supporting this R&D project. Additive manufacturing will be a significant disruptor to future manufacturing methodologies and it is important for the team in Ireland to help shape this change,” said Dr Matthew Holloway, Henkel Technology Centre Director. “We have a proven track record of developing world-class adhesives and look forward to focusing our expertise on creating new chemistries and technologies for 3D printing. Henkel recognises the strength of relationships with the research community in Ireland and this will enhance our capability to innovate.”
Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland added: “As a long-standing client employing 400 people, IDA Ireland works very closely with Henkel. This move is a significant departure for Henkel into a new emerging technology. I have no doubt that the company will be able to successfully utilise their wealth of scientific knowledge with adhesive technologies to produce innovative additive manufacturing technologies. Henkel’s investment will help to further develop a pronounced national competency in high performance materials for additive manufacturing.”
The development has been welcomed by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, who outlined his appreciation for the number of jobs set to be created and the strengthening of Ireland’s position ‘at the forefront of a new and exciting chapter in manufacturing.’
