PROFILE The Innovator
The Innovator Keith Moran CEO, SL CONTROLS
AT A GLANCE
Sm a r t facto r ie s, on ce th e sole do ma in of car ma n u factu r e r s, ar e n o lo n g e r u n u su a l. Keith M o r a n , o f SL Con tr o ls, talks ab o u t th e fu tu r e of au to ma tion ,
50 NEW JOBS TO BE CREATED IN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS BRINGING SL CONTROLS WORKFORCE IN IRELAND TO 140
80% INCREASE IN TURNOVER PREDICTED TO €14.5M OVER THE PERIOD 2019 TO 2023
... on opportunites for development We are seeing strong demand in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. Regulated sectors like these are not as advanced as others for a variety of reasons, but they are catching up fast.
... on Research and Development Every production line is different, so R&D is a core part of what we do as we push the boundaries of what is possible. I know the same applies in other parts of our industry too, including machine builders and how they use robots. As for how Ireland does in this area, we certainly punch well above our weight. ... on AI and the IoT Manufacturers need integrated systems and other data-driven solutions first, but once those are in place, a new world of opportunities opens up with technologies like Artificial Intelligence, the Industrial Internet of Things, and cloud-to-edge computing. With these technologies, we are only at the beginning of the journey. We are particularly focussed on assisting clients in developing and implementing their Industry 4.0 strategies
... on stable supply chains The global nature of the COVID-19 pandemic is unique, but I think automation and making better use of data will help when supply chains come under strain. We talk about vertical and horizontal integration, where you integrate systems beyond the factory floor within the organisation and through each node on the supply chain. In terms of stabilising manufacturing in extreme situations, this deeper integration makes it possible to predict problems and rapidly identify and understand issues. ... on potential weaknesses I believe we’ll see that acceleration over the coming years. The pandemic highlighted to manufacturers important weaknesses or potential weaknesses in their operations. Robotics won’t be the only solution to those issues, but it will play a role. ... on reaching the limit I’m not placed to say when or even if robotics will reach its limit. Human development is an extraordinary thing. We keep driving ourselves on and reinventing how things are done. So, when it comes to technology, we are only limited by our imaginations.
“In terms of stabilising manufacturing in extreme situations, this deeper integration makes it possible to predict problems and rapidly identify and understand issues.”
2021 - 2024 FOCUS ON INCREASED EXPANSION INTO THE US MARKET WHERE SL CONTROLS IS EXPERIENCING GROWTH.
... on SL Controls In March of this year, we announced a significant expansion of the company with 50 new jobs to be created in Ireland over the next 18 months to bring our total workforce to 140. We will also be creating new jobs in the US where the company opened its first office in 2020. We are forecasting an 80% increase in turnover by 2023. Our goals include to become the provider of choice for equipment systems integration solutions in Ireland and grow our reputation in the US and beyond. ... on instinct I was told a long time ago to always go with your gut and to this day, I always trust my own instincts. ... on operating in Ireland We have international ambitions at SL Controls but being an Irish company and having a presence across the country, in Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Dublin and Cork, is extremely important to us. While we could do with more engineers in Ireland, the level of skills here is exceptional. Ireland also has thriving medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors, which are crucial for our business.
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