R&D investment at Allen Vanguard in Cork
Minister Martin – “one of the strongest examples of technology convergence in Ireland”
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin TD today (Friday 30th March 2007) announced that Allen-Vanguard Corporation, a Canadian company, is to undertake a significant R&D initiative at its Irish operation at Kilbrittain, Co. Cork. Allen-Vanguard isa leading manufacturer of robots which are used by security forces to perform dangerous tasks and considerably reduce the risk to personnel. The investment, supported by IDA Ireland, is for the development of more sophisticated robots equipped to deal with the growing challenges facing the security forces.
The R&D will cover four main areas: improving existing components; enhancing interoperability both between robots and with other equipment; extending remote functionality and designing new concept machines to meet the forces’ evolving needs.
Allen-Vanguard Ireland in Cork has responsibility for R&D and manufacturing of Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV). In June 2006, Allen-Vanguard Group selected the Cork facility as the global centre-of-excellence for ROV. It currently employs 37 people, with 9 in R&D, and this will grow to 45 in 2007, with 16 in R&D, under this investment. Robots for the Canadian Department of National Defence and a US federal agency are currently being manufactured at the facility.
Minister Martin said “This knowledge-driven investment by Allen-Vanguard is a world class robotics project and will result in the largest robotics R&D group in Ireland. It will be one of the strongest examples of technology convergence in Ireland, incorporating mechanical, RF, electronic and software engineering. It will build up the R&D infrastructure at the Cork operation and the new robotics centre will be unmatched anywhere in Ireland in terms of technical capability.”
“It is also excellent news for the Cork operation as it further consolidates the company’s presence here, underpins the existing employment and significantly increases its role in the parent companies strategy for international growth. I congratulate the Cork staff and management for the great success of their operation, a factor which played a large part in the winning of this investment. Other influencing factors here in Cork were the readily available supply of high quality graduates and skilled people and the support of an international standard infrastructure,” the Minister added.
Eamon Jackson, Director of Operations at Allen-Vanguard, said. “This is not simply an investment in an Irish facility, but an investment in the safety of services personnel and civilians at a global level. Robots have evolved greatly over the past 30 years, but further R&D is needed to take them to the next step and meet the objectives of the security forces for the robotisation of key tasks traditionally done by humans.”
Notes for Editor
About Allen-Vanguard Ireland
Allen-Vanguard Ireland in Cork was previously known as Kentree Limited, an Irish owned company, prior to 2004 when it became part of the Allen-Vanguard Group. It is licensed by the Irish Government’s Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to export dual-use products, i.e. capable of use in both commercial and military applications. Its technical capabilities are world-class when it comes to robotics and electromechanical engineering.
About Allen-Vanguard
Leading Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) experts PW Allen & Company Ltd and Vanguard Response Systems Inc have combined to form Allen-Vanguard. Its product portfolio offers the only complete solution to CBRNE, aligning the needs of security forces worldwide seeking integrated solutions against terrorist threats. Mitigating the effects of terrorism requires powerful technologies and expertise and the Allen-Vanguard team is made up of highly experienced specialists in CBRNE, EOD and IEDD based in strategic territories across the globe.
An exciting product development programme is underway drawing on the specialist knowledge and innovative design expertise of both former companies. The existing world-class product range will be enhanced with new products over the coming months. Allen-Vanguard Corporation and all of its subsidiaries operate under the brand “Allen-Vanguard”. It develops and markets technologies, tools and training for defeating and minimizing the effects of hazardous devices and materials from CBRNE. Its equipment is in service with leading security and military forces in more than 120 countries. This includes a complete range of remote intervention robots for hazardous applications, vehicle barrier systems, suspect package containers and Electronic Counter-Measures (ECM) equipment for jamming remote detonation of terrorist devices.
The Company is a world leader in the development, manufacturer and sale of specialty security equipment for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and is the sole, worldwide licensee and/or developer of patented technologies such as the Universal Containment System and CASCAD Foam for blast mitigation, decontamination of bio-chemical warfare agents, and personal protective gear. Head office operations are located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, with manufacturing operations in Ottawa and Stoney Creek, Ontario; Tewkesbury, U.K.; and Cork, Ireland, and sales offices in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Asia. The Company’s shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:VRS). The web site is www.allen-vanguard.com.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the Company's expectations concerning future product demand and growth opportunities and customer acceptance of Company's products. The Company does not consider the contents of this press release to contain material information. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Media contacts for further information –
Allen-Vanguard Group – Spa PR: Andy Parker or Lindsay Jones
Tel: 0044 1242 245789 or andy@spapublicrelations.com
IDA Ireland – Ph: 8082000
Last modified: 30/03/2007
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