Irish precision engineering company EFJ has secured an opportunity to produce components for CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, as a direct result of connections made at Manufacturing Solutions Ireland, according to Manufacturing Update, demonstrating the commercial potential of the exhibition for precision manufacturers seeking international partnerships.

EFJ engaged with CERN delegates at the event, organised by the Technological University of the Shannon and the GTMA, and subsequently produced precision components for the Swiss-based research organisation. Parts were delivered to CERN's site in Switzerland within one month of the initial engagement.

EFJ said: "We were delighted to meet delegates from CERN at Manufacturing Solutions Ireland, and subsequently to produce precision components for such a prestigious research organisation. Without the excellent work of the GTMA and TUS in bringing us together, this opportunity simply wouldn't have happened."

CERN said: "CERN would like to thank both TUS and GTMA for facilitating us and giving the opportunity to meet with a wide range of suppliers at Manufacturing Solutions Ireland, a market that had previously been largely untapped by CERN prior to the associate membership. These face-to-face meetings allowed for acceleration in the manufacturing process, resulting in parts being delivered to our site in Switzerland just one month after our initial engagements."

TUS and GTMA said: "Manufacturing Solutions Ireland is designed to create genuine business opportunities for exhibitors. We're delighted that EFJ has been able to develop a relationship with CERN as a direct result of participating in the event. It demonstrates the value of bringing together world-leading organisations with innovative manufacturing companies from across Ireland and the UK."

Manufacturing Solutions Ireland attracts manufacturers, OEMs, technology providers, research organisations and engineering specialists from across Ireland, the UK and Europe, with a focus on strengthening supply chains, encouraging collaboration and showcasing manufacturing expertise.

The EFJ outcome illustrates how face-to-face engagement at sector events can accelerate commercial relationships in precision engineering, where demonstrating technical capability directly to potential end users remains a critical step in securing opportunities with major international research and industrial organisations.