Croom Medical, an Irish contract manufacturer of orthopaedic implants, has broken ground on a 38,000-square-foot expansion at its manufacturing campus in Croom, County Limerick, with completion expected by the end of 2026, according to 3D Printing Industry.

The Advanced Centre of Orthopaedic Technologies represents the largest single investment in the company's 42-year history. The purpose-built research and development and industrialisation facility will consolidate multiple orthopaedic manufacturing processes in one location, including precision CNC machining, lights-out machining and grinding, multi-material additive manufacturing, vacuum furnace heat treatment, electropolishing, anodising and automated polishing.

Patrick Byrnes, chief executive officer of Croom Medical, said ACOT is a strategic investment designed around where the industry is going next. "For our OEM partners, it means deeper integration, advanced capability, and a facility built around their roadmaps," he stated. The facility creates high-value roles and long-term career opportunities in Croom, strengthening the local economy and community that has supported the company for over four decades.

The centre will support original equipment manufacturer partners across product development stages, from early design and prototyping through to validated serial production. Device categories include shoulder, hip, knee, spine, trauma and sports medicine implants.

Founded in 1984, Croom Medical began as a precision engineering firm and has expanded into an orthopaedic manufacturing partner for medical technology companies. The company has invested more than €12 million in technologies including additive manufacturing, automation and new machining centres, currently employing approximately 150 professionals locally.

Enterprise Ireland is supporting ACOT's development. The facility will be solar-powered and digitally connected to support demand from customers in Europe and North America.

Explore comprehensive details on the Advanced Centre of Orthopaedic Technologies and manufacturing capabilities in the full article.