At TPS, we’ve been active members of a number of clusters over the last few years, as we really see the importance of clusters as accelerants for innovation and growth. Particularly in a small country like Ireland clusters play a vital role in driving competitiveness, resilience, and collaboration across industries. They connect businesses, academia, and government to create stronger ecosystems that help companies stay ahead in a global market.
At TPS, we are proud members of the ATIM, IDEAM and Comand clusters engaging in targeted activities and projects that focus on three key areas; innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Below are examples of some of the ways that we have engaged with each of these clusters.
ATIM Cluster
ATIM (Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing) aims to drive innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth within the Irish manufacturing sector.
Since its inception, we have actively participated in a range of their innovation and collaboration projects. One standout initiative is PolRec, which focused on improving the circularity and optimisation of waste materials at TPS.
Beyond R&D, ATIM provides invaluable networking, knowledge sharing, and learning opportunities. Through involvement in various cluster-led conferences, workshops, and international trips, TPS staff have access to critical industry insights, collaborative partnerships, and advanced technological trends. These engagements not only foster innovation but also support business growth on both national and international stages.
We’re also grateful for the ongoing support of Caitríona Mordan, the dedicated ATIM cluster Manager, who has been instrumental in guiding us through funding opportunities, including European grants. This support has allowed us to secure financial backing for key innovation projects, including PolRec and the development of our intelligent digital manufacturing technologies.
Being part of ATIM has given us the chance to connect with other Irish manufacturers, visit their facilities, and form valuable collaborations. Interestingly, many of our competitors are also members, and that’s what makes clusters so powerful. By innovating together, we strengthen the entire industry. It’s proof that we’re stronger together than we are alone.
IDEAM Cluster
IDEAM (Irish Design Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing) focuses on the research and development of data-driven solutions for Industry.
Some of the projects that we have been involved with them include:
- Digital Transformation Projects (Digital Twin): Through IDEAM, we participated in a European innovation initiative with the Change2Twin consortium, helping us digitalise manufacturing operations and implement real-time monitoring and process automation. IDEAM provided key guidance from project introduction through to the final report.
- Sustainability and Green Transition: TPS leverages support from IDEAM’s European projects such as ADDTEX and xBUILD-EU, helping us to improve material circularity, energy efficiency, and compliance with EU regulations across its operations.
- Business & Community Development: TPS benefits from IDEAM’s networking events, including Manufacturing Solutions and Meet the Manufacturer, provide opportunities for collaboration, learning, and strengthening our international position.
MET Cluster
MET (Medical and Engineering Technologies) Gateway is dedicated to supporting Research, Development and Innovation activities in the MedTech, LifeSciences and Engineering sectors.
We have partnered with MET as an innovation partner to help us tackle a specific challenge around managing the high-moisture powder waste generated during polypropylene production. Their multi-disciplinary team took a comprehensive approach, analysing every aspect of the process to identify and implement the most effective solution.
MET continues to be a valuable partner for TPS and for any company in the industry seeking to overcome complex innovation challenges through applied research and collaboration.
COMAND Cluster
COMAND is part of the Technology Gateway Network in Ireland. Their goal is pioneering research and development in interactive media technologies, focusing on Augmenting User Interactions, End-to-end Applications, and Intelligent Infrastructure.
Our work with COMAND focuses on three main areas:
- Advanced Digitalisation & Process Optimisation: We are currently collaborating with COMAND to create and digital manufacturing solutions that enable predictive maintenance and greater efficiency through real-time data integration.
- Skills Development & Training: We partner with cluster members for upskilling in digital technologies, production analytics, and smart manufacturing, ensuring we keep pace with the evolving demands of smart manufacturing.
- Joint Research & Innovation: TPS engages in research projects with Comand cluster partners focused on automating manufacturing processes, developing.
Looking Ahead
Our cluster collaborations have strengthened TPS’s position as a forward-thinking, innovation-driven manufacturer. They’ve helped us improve internal processes, drive sustainability, and stay connected to a broader ecosystem of advanced manufacturing expertise, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner and manufacturer of choice in Ireland and beyond.