Small and medium manufacturers across County Leitrim now have a risk-free route to overhauling their factory floors, freeing up staff time and driving profitability. Future Cast, an advanced engineering and innovation hub based in Manorhamilton, is calling on local business owners to tap into world-class robotics, AI and automation expertise, completely funded and completely free for eligible SMEs.

FactoryXChange (FXC) 2.0 was officially launched at the IMR hub in Mullingar, bringing together a lively crowd of small business owners, technical specialists, and industry supporters. The day was a celebration of phase two of a state-backed network designed to do one simple thing: help local manufacturers adopt smart technology without risking their own hard-earned capital

Manufacturers, SMEs and public organisations are being encouraged to secure their place at Irish Manufacturing Research's (IMR) upcoming FactoryXChange 2.0 event on June 24th at its Mullingar facility, as industry leaders gather to explore how Irish businesses can respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, digitalisation and increasing global competition.

Event highlights extended €23 million EDIH programme to support SMEs' uptake of AI and cutting-edge digital technologies, including FXC's specialised digital transformation services.

FactoryXChange 2.0 secures €5.7 million to deliver digital and sustainable manufacturing supports to Irish industry over the next three years.

Left to right: Becky Garrard (FactoryXChange), John Cosgrove (TUS/FactoryXChange), Laura Clifford (Enterprise Ireland), Sarah Daly...