Reliance Automation, one of the largest and oldest robotics providers in Ireland has set up a new temporary base in Belfast.

Established over 100 years ago, the business which has offices in Dublin, Cork and Limerick has moved for now into the Innovation Factory.

Now they have plans to open a new modern facility to house its huge range of automation technology, from market leading universal cobots to industrial robots, grippers, mobile robots and electric actuators.

Reliance Automation says it has taken the decision to be closer to the rapidly growing Northern Ireland manufacturing market and to boost its export trade into Britain.

Last year alone, it has seen substantial growth in Northern Ireland, which now accounts for approximately 70% of its new automation sales. It puts this massive rise in demand down to Brexit and a need to automate, as it is so difficult to fill many manufacturing jobs.

The firm’s automation manager Gerry Graham said: “There has been a significant increase in activity in Northern Ireland over the past few years and this has snowballed recently. This is absolutely a result of the great successes of manufacturing companies as well as the barriers to trade caused by Brexit.”

He added: “Our Belfast base completes the circle, giving us access to all the markets in the region and allowing for increased and smoother trade within both Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

We offer a whole service to businesses, not only selling robots and cobots, but offering training and partnering with installers so we can support the customer from start to finish. Having an experienced team and modern facility in Northern Ireland became a necessity as the market here has grown so quickly.”

The company chose the Innovation Factory as its temporary home while it searches for a new dedicated location, citing its convenient location close to the motorways, the quality of its facilities and the excellent business support offered by the team there.

Innovation Factory centre director Neil Allen said: “Our aim is to facilitate economic growth and to be a home of entrepreneurship, so are delighted they chose IF as their base in Belfast.”

Meanwhile in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Technology Centre and Queen’s University, Reliance Automation will host its ninth automation roadshow in September, which is open to businesses and students.

The roadshow showcases the newest technology on the market and allows visitors to view and program the equipment. The company’s expert team will be on hand to answer technical questions and offer support and one to one advice so companies are encouraged to bring plans and parts for reference.

The events, which are free to attend, will be held at Ulster University at the Derry Magee Campus on September 20th and the Innovation Factory on September 21st.