THE new chairman of an industry Cluster – based at the Athlone campus of Technological University of the Shannon – has promised to build on the foundation which saw €2.2million worth of projects secured to date and 47 manufacturing companies supported in expanding their global market reach.

The Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing (ATIM) Cluster – whose mission is to drive innovation, competitiveness and sustainability within Ireland’s manufacturing sector – officially launched its Impact Report and Strategy for 2025-2027 at Grant Engineering, Birr, Couty Offaly, today (Friday, April 11th).

Set up in 2021, the ATIM Cluster is hosted by Technological University of the Shannon and is funded by Enterprise Ireland under the Regional Technology Cluster Fund.

ATIM’s members – all from the midlands of Ireland – span a variety of sectors including:  automation and robotics, medtech and life sciences, engineering and precision manufacturing, polymer and plastics, food and beverage processing- , electronics and ICT, and sustainable manufacturing.

By fostering partnerships between industry, academia, and government, ATIM ensures its members are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital and sustainable global market.

The launch event celebrated ATIM’s progress since its inception in 2021 and set the course for the next phase of its development.

Since its formation, ATIM has become a key enabler of collaboration and innovation across Ireland’s manufacturing ecosystem, supporting over 100 plus members from a range of sectors.

Through its initiatives, ATIM has successfully driven a significant impact on the industry, including:

4,500 participants engaged in workshops, events, and initiatives.

€2.2 million secured for cluster-led and member-driven innovation projects.

97% of members reporting greater awareness of business and support opportunities.

47 companies supported in expanding their international market reach.

Supported over 400 business to business, business to research connections