Donegal Gaeltacht Company Randox Laboratories successfully made connections to enhance operations at the international business symposium in Philadelphia last week.
Údarás na Gaeltachta client company Randox Laboratories from Donegal joined with NUIG and other companies in a trade mission of Gaeltacht firms to Philadelphia for the Irish American Business Chamber and Network (IABCN) Symposium.
The invitation by the IABCN to Údarás na Gaeltachta and its client companies provided an opportunity for Gaeltacht companies to establish new contacts in America with the aim of expanding their export markets. It was also an opportunity to promote the Gaeltacht as an excellent location for enterprise and employment opportunities.
Representatives of Údarás na Gaeltachta and their Client Companies with the organisers of the Irish American Business Chamber and Network Symposium in Philadelphia
The prestigious Pyramid Club of Philadelphia hosted the launch of the event and there were a number of presentations, seminars and networking opportunities at The Union League of Philadelphia throughout the weeklong trade mission.
Senior Manager of Randox Laboratories, Mark Campbell, said, ‘this was a very worthwhile trade mission and we are very grateful to Údarás na Gaeltachta for organising the event alongside the Irish American Business Chamber and Network in Philadelphia.
“We are in no doubt that the many business and scientific connections made will facilitate greater transatlantic trade and cooperation, and enhance our operations in Dungloe. Not only do we have key diagnostics capabilities of interest to the US, we also want to let the wider Irish diaspora know that there are world-leading career opportunities on offer in Donegal, including those in the life sciences, engineering and software development industries.
“Our revolutionary diagnostics simultaneously allow us to partner with like-minded innovators in markets overseas, and to create further employment at home.”
Mark Campell, Senior Manager, Randox Laboratories presenting to the Irish American Business Chamber and Network in Philadelphia.
In 2015 Randox Teoranta in Donegal announced an investment of €25 million to extend and develop the R&D and manufacturing facilities of the state-of-the-art biotech facility in An Clochán Liath (Dungloe). The investment in the site will accelerate the development of new products into a wide range of clinical needs, including various cancers, stroke, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
The delegation was headed by Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Director of Enterprise, Employment and Property, Údarás na Gaeltachta. He said:
“Údarás na Gaeltachta are delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase all of our Gaeltacht areas at the Irish American Business Chamber and Network Symposium. This trade mission was an opportunity to promote our unique location, and our connectivity with the EU and the UK, as an asset.
“The success of the businesses that joined us on this trade mission is evidence of what rural enterprises can achieve with support and in cooperation with Údarás na Gaeltachta.”
This was the third visit organised by Údarás na Gaeltachta and the companies participating this year included Randox Teoranta from Donegal; Complete Lab Solutions and Éire Composites Teo from Galway, Westbrite Technology Teo from Mayo, the National University of Ireland Galway and IDA Ireland.
