Vitalograph features in Ibec Manufacturing in Ireland report 2024
Vitalograph is proud to be one of the companies featured in the Ibec Manufacturing in Ireland report for 2024.
Manufacturing in Ireland is one of the high performing engines of the Irish economy with clusters of world class manufacturing operations in sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, engineering, medical technology, building materials, and food production.
In 2023, manufacturing employed over 220,841 individuals, supporting numerous families and generating substantial economic benefits. With total goods exports at €197.25 billion, the sector produced €13.7 billion in wages, €3.03 billion in income tax, and over €10 billion in corporation tax, highlighting its essential role in sustaining public services and infrastructure.
Here are a few key insights from the Vitalograph case study. The full report can be downloaded on the Ibec website.
Facing Forward: Manufacturing Confidence Amidst Evolving Challenges
Ireland has earned its place as one of the world’s biggest medtech hubs, with innovative companies, highly educated talent, and an incredibly supportive ecosystem. Vitalograph is a key player in the industry, leading the way in advancing healthcare innovation worldwide.
For over 60 years, Vitalograph has been tackling respiratory health challenges and raising standards in patient care. Founded in the UK in 1963, Vitalograph specialises in developing and manufacturing respiratory diagnostic solutions. Vitalograph relocated its main R&D and manufacturing operations to Ireland in 1974, and today, the company employs nearly 600 people worldwide, with 420 based in Ennis and Limerick. Frank Keane, CEO of Vitalograph commented:
“With respiratory disease a leading cause of death in the world, Vitalograph is committed to improving lives by delivering cutting-edge solutions that provide real insights into lung health. This enables healthcare providers to make better decisions, ensuring patients live longer and healthier lives.
Vitalograph’s products range from handheld devices for early COPD detection to advanced lab diagnostics for complex lung diseases. The company also leads in clinical trial services, being the world’s top provider of FDA-validated objective cough monitoring. And as Ennis is Vitalograph’s main manufacturing hub, home to a team of engineers, logisticians, marketers, and customer service experts, the site has become a global hub too. It now also produces single-use bacterial viral filters, essential for respiratory examinations.
Innovation driving growth
Of course, innovation is at the centre of Vitalograph’s strategy. “Our innovation process is structured around ISO56000 standards, ensuring that we consistently deliver solutions that address real-world healthcare challenges,” says Frank. Their Customer Solution Innovation Committee reviews ideas, and the Customer Solution Approval Committee develops approved concepts. Currently, 60 scientists, engineers, and technicians are working on projects ranging from basic consumables to advanced pulmonary function testing systems and AI-driven algorithms.
In 2024, this led to EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) certification for Vitalograph’s pulmonary testing equipment, the VitaloPFT series. There are challenges in Europe’s regulatory environment, as Frank says, “The regulatory regime in Europe has contradictory regulations emerging from different groups.” However, Frank says their EU certification is a major milestone and it “lays the foundation for the MDR certification of every product moving forward. It represents the company’s commitment to quality in its manufacturing and marketing processes.”
A strategic shift
One of Vitalograph’s most significant initiatives has been reshoring production of its bacterial viral filters from China to Ireland, which was driven by concerns about supply chain reliability and cost efficiency. “We began this process in 2020, and it has been a transformative decision. COVID-19 reinforced the need for resilient supply chains. By investing €5 million, we’ve brought back manufacturing to Ireland, which is now, not only more reliable, but also more cost-effective than sourcing from China.” And Vitalograph’s presence in Clare and Limerick has seriously benefitted local communities. As a major employer in the area, it offers great careers in medtech and attracts skilled employees from around the world. Frank Keane said:
“Vitalograph has enriched the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the area. By developing local talent and promoting STEM education, we’ve enhanced the mid-west’s attractiveness as a key location for medtech and manufacturing industries.
This year, Vitalograph celebrated 50 years in Ennis with a commemorative exhibition, 50 Years of Growing with Ennis, which highlighted the company’s journey through the eyes of its employees. Vitalograph also supports global lung health, education, sport, and community empowerment through its philanthropy. It backs local community groups such as youth sports, it sponsored COPD Support Ireland’s Roadshow, and also raises money for groups like the Asthma Society of Ireland and Focus Ireland.
The path ahead
As for what Frank thinks could make Ireland even more competitive in the future, he says strengthening Ireland’s talent pool through educational initiatives that promote STEM subjects at a secondary and vocational level, is particularly important. “Especially with a focus on improving girls’ access to these subjects. Not to mention, infrastructural initiatives that support investment throughout the country and not just the traditional manufacturing hubs.
“Communications, housing and transport are key to making towns attractive to investors and employees.” Vitalograph is looking to the future with new ideas, such as advancements in AI-powered healthcare algorithms and enhanced pulmonary function testing. The company’s recent purchase of a business in Massachusetts has also created new growth opportunities.
Frank adds, “Our advancements in clinical trials and our expansion into new therapeutic endpoints are particularly exciting. These efforts will help us remain at the forefront of respiratory diagnostics and medtech innovation.”
