Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) announced that it will embark on a €50 million R&D (research and development) investment program at its campus in Raheen, Co. Limerick, Ireland.
The investment program focuses on the expansion of ADI’s R&D capabilities in Limerick and is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Over the next five years, the program is expected to result in the creation of approximately 100 high-skilled jobs, such as positions in integrated circuit design and applications engineering. A 140,000-square-foot R&D center, including specialized laboratory space, will be constructed as part of this investment. The announcement builds on the €23 million investment in Ireland made by ADI in June 2010 as part of a manufacturing expansion program.
ADI has been operating in Ireland for 35 years and currently employs over 1,000 people in Limerick, which is home to ADI’s European-based semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility and R&D for analog technologies, including industry-leading data converters, as well as mixed-signal and RF (radio frequency) integrated circuits. ADI states that its operation in Ireland has a well-established record for engineering innovation and discovery, as evidenced by the 287 U.S. patents granted to ADI inventors based in Ireland, which is nearly 20% of the total U.S. patents held by the company.
Through this investment, ADI will create highly skilled research, engineering, and development roles within the product, design, test, marketing and applications fields. The new jobs expected as part of this investment will cross the spectrum of these roles, serving the global markets of automotive, healthcare, industrial automation and communications.
Welcoming the announcement, Richard Bruton, T.D., Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation said, "If Ireland is to achieve the jobs it so badly needs, we must not only continue to attract multinational investments, but we must also ensure where possible that these investments bring R&D and high-value jobs to our economy. Not only does this create crucial jobs, but it also creates substantial spin-off benefits to Irish businesses and researchers and ultimately to the economy. Today’s announcement that Analog Devices is building on its long-standing commitment to the Mid-West with the expected creation of 100 high-value R&D jobs is great news. I am determined that this government will do everything we can to ensure that today’s announcement can be replicated across the economy in the coming years."
Speaking at the press conference, Jerald Fishman, President and CEO, Analog Devices said, "I am delighted to announce our decision to make a further investment in our Irish operations. The contributions of our Limerick-based team over the past 35 years guided our decision to build a dedicated R&D facility here in Ireland. Innovation is at the heart of everything that we do, and our Irish team is playing a key role in charting our course for the future."
Fishman continued, "Limerick has long been a strategic part of our global operations. This new investment demonstrates how well regarded the Irish team is internationally and will help to further strengthen the strategic nature of the Irish operations in our evolving R&D network. I would like to thank the Irish Government and its agencies – specifically IDA Ireland – for its continued commitment and support for our growth and expansion plans."
Barry O’Leary, CEO of IDA Ireland said, "Analog Devices is one of the most significant employers in the Mid-West region and its advanced manufacturing and R&D operations are highly regarded. Throughout the company’s history in Ireland it has been a key contributor to the local and national economy. I am delighted that IDA is supporting the project and look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with Analog Devices. The expected creation of 100 new R&D roles is very welcome and will add to the strategic status of Limerick within the corporation. Furthermore, the planned construction of the new 140,000-square-foot R&D center is a welcome boost to the Irish construction industry."
