IRELAND - TOMRA Sorting is investing approximately €2.1 million ($2.6 million U.S.) in a new state-of-the-art research and development facility in Citywest, Dublin. The 3,500 square meter facility, which opened September 25th, features an office, workshop and demonstration space, as well as a peeling process development lab, an advanced optics lab, and a sorting test facility.
Over 70 people were in attendance during the official ribbon cutting ceremony, which kicked off a tour of the facility as well as a demonstration of TOMRA’s new sorting machines. The equipment in action included the FPS field potato sorter for unwashed potatoes and the high capacity Bulk Size Grader for carrots, onions, and potatoes showcasing the latest in sensor based technologies, according to a press release.
Minister Damien English, the Minister of State for Skills, Research & Innovation, performed the ribbon cutting ceremony along with Dr. Volker Rehrmann, Executive Vice President and Head of TOMRA Sorting, and Maurice Moynihan, local Managing Director and Market Director of TOMRA Sorting Food. Speaking at the launch of the facility, English praised the investment by the company as “a vote of confidence in Ireland and its skilled workforce.”
Dr. Rehrmann echoed this statement, noting, “Our investment in the new facility will enable the Dublin team to concentrate on developing innovative solutions for the global food industry and continue to set TOMRA aside as the market leader in sensor based sorting solutions. TOMRA is also committed to providing a truly great place to work for all our 2,400 employees worldwide.”
Dermot Clohessy, Executive Director, IDA Ireland, said that the facility is a welcome boost to Ireland’s technology and innovation ecosystem. “It provides further evidence that Ireland is a highly attractive location to carry out sophisticated research and development initiatives,” he said. “IDA Ireland looks forward to continuing to work closely and support TOMRA in the future.”
Congrats on the opening of this new facility, TOMRA!
