Automation firm Pilz Ireland secures IDA site take over

Thomas Pilz, managing partner, Pilz; Suzanne Kunschert, managing partner, Pilz; and Wesley O’Shea, automation manager, Pilz Ireland, discussing plans for the new site

Peter Flanagan

Automation technology firm Pilz Ireland has completed the purchase of a site adjacent to its existing facility from the IDA in the Cork Business & Technology Park on Model Farm Road, Cork.

The company is planning to begin construction on the site of a new facility "to accommodate a software product research and development centre, a global centre of excellence to configure and program intelligent automation systems".

As well as the creation of the new centre, Pilz say the existing building will also be "substantially redeveloped to create additional space for the expansion of its international Services Group which provides technical and project management support for subsidiaries around the world on international projects".

The firm plans to develop new office space and lab facilities its Ireland Automation and Safety Engineering Services Division which serves its Irish customer base.

Commenting on the new development Pilz Ireland MD believes the move is an endorsement of its Irish operation: "The construction of the new building and refurbishment of the existing facility is a real milestone in the company's development. The IDA have supported us as a start-up many years ago and continues to do so with this expansion. We look forward to creating a campus which not only provides increased capacity to grow our business but offers a modern work space for our employees."

IDA Ireland chief executive Martin Shanahan said the agency "pleased to be in a position to assist in the expansion plans of this well established company in Cork by facilitating the sale of a site adjacent to its existing facility".

"The evolution of the Software Product Research and Development Centre will allow this progressive company to develop next generation configurations and programmes for intelligent automation systems.

"It's good news also, and further testament to Pilz success in Cork, that it is also expanding the technical and project management support side of its business. I wish the company continued success."

"The development of the campus not only reflects the worldwide growth of the Pilz Group and Pilz Ireland within the domestic market but will enable the company to positively respond to the new demands and challenges of the manufacturing and process sectors.

"The Irish operation will support Pilz group's positioning in the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution with technologies based on IOT, Collaborative Robots and cloud based automation services," he added.