Positive progress for Irish manufacturers in commercialising automation

Picture 1 and Picture 3 – L-R Melanie Horkan (HR Manager, IMR), Maurice O’Connell (COO, IMR), Gina Horan (CFO, IMR) and Barry Kennedy (CEO, IMR)

New IMR report records engagement with 679 industry organisations across all 26 counties and warns that digital readiness will determine how quickly manufacturers turn AI and automation into commercial value.

Commercialising automation

Irish manufacturers are moving from testing advanced technologies towards implementing them in their operations, but the strength of their digital foundations will determine how quickly AI and automation deliver value on the factory floor, according to a new report from Irish Manufacturing Research.

IMR’s 2025 End of Year Report records engagement with 679 industry organisations through 704 engagements across all 26 counties. Outcomes captured through 31 client impact statements project almost €18 million in economic value, comprising €13 million in additional revenue and €5 million in cost savings. The same statements identified 32 jobs created or safeguarded and projected reductions of 197t COe.

“The debate about whether AI and automation matter is over. Manufacturers can see the opportunity,” said Barry Kennedy, CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research.

“The question now is whether they have the digital infrastructure, skills and implementation capability to turn that opportunity into real commercial value. Technology alone will not transform a factory. The data, systems and people around it must also be ready.”

The findings point to a wider shift within Irish manufacturing, as businesses focus increasingly on moving technologies beyond isolated trials and into real operational environments.

This transition is also increasing demand for new skills. During 2025, IMR delivered 811 training days, with 363 participants from 107 companies developing capabilities needed within a rapidly changing manufacturing environment.

Kennedy said the next phase of industrial competitiveness would be shaped by how effectively manufacturers translate investment into implementation.

“Ireland has a real opportunity to lead in advanced manufacturing, but speed alone is not enough. Companies need the right foundations and the right support to make technology work within their operations.

“The manufacturers that get this right will be better positioned to improve productivity, build resilience and compete successfully in increasingly complex global markets.”

The IMR 2025 End of Year Report outlines the organisation’s work with industry across digitalisation, automation, sustainability, skills development and advanced manufacturing innovation.

Read the full report at: https://pages.imr.ie/2025-end-of-year-report-download

The projected impact figures are based on 31 client impact statements and include €13 million in projected income growth, €5 million in projected cost savings, 32 jobs created or safeguarded and 197 tCOe in projected emissions reductions.

IMR engaged with 679 industry organisations through 704 engagements across all 26 counties during 2025.

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