Along Galway’s Tuam Road, opposite the Trappers Inn, a stunning structure is rising—its sleek, high-tech design has captured the attention of passersby and signals the next chapter in PennEngineering’s legacy of innovation. This remarkable €14 million development is far more than just a new building; it represents a strategic investment in Galway’s role as a global hub for advanced manufacturing, engineering excellence, and next-generation product development.
Founded in 1942, PennEngineering has established itself as a world leader in mechanically attached fasteners and engineered components. With brands like PEM®, PROFIL®, Sherex®, PennAuto®, and Haeger®, the company serves a wide array of global industries, including automotive, electronics, datacom, electric vehicles, and solar energy. Today, Galway is becoming central to that mission.
The company’s newest facility in Mervue Business Park is set to become a cutting-edge technology and training centre, complete with advanced testing laboratories and a state-of-the-art customer experience hub. Once completed, it will not only expand PennEngineering’s footprint in Europe but also enable a deeper integration of research, development, and customer engagement under one roof.
“This investment reflects our confidence in the potential for growth in the region and our commitment to contributing to the local economy,” said Mary Ann Fleming, President of PennEngineering Europe. "Our on-site manufacturing continues to expand with the introduction of new products, continuing our 85-year history of product innovation in self-clinch fasteners."
Supported by IDA Ireland, the project will create 70 new jobs over the next five years across disciplines including manufacturing, engineering, training, operations, and finance. It builds on an already strong foundation—the Galway facility, which first opened in 2001 with 80 staff, now employs over 200 people. This new expansion will accelerate PennEngineering’s Smart Manufacturing programme and cement its place as a centre of excellence within the global organisation.
The sod-turning ceremony for the project was officiated last year by then Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Dara Calleary and in the interim, tjhe stunning project has soared along, rising from the ground in a vision of steel and glass and modern cutting-edge architecture.
IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan, described the move as a model of regional investment aligned with Ireland’s national economic strategy.
PennEngineering’s Galway site has already made significant strides in modernisation. In 2021, the company announced a multimillion-euro digital transformation initiative, which included the creation of 20 new roles and the upskilling of all existing staff. This transformation is not just technological—it’s educational. Over 30% of staff are actively enrolled in further education programmes, in collaboration with regional institutions like GATU, University of Galway, GRETB, and the Galway Business School. The company’s goal was for every employee to complete a specialised training course within the next three years, with a focus on Smart Manufacturing and Factory of the Future technologies.
Beyond its own workforce, the new Galway base will have a ripple effect throughout the region’s economy. As a testing ground for emerging technologies and a showcase centre for clients, the facility will attract new business, promote innovation, and support start-ups and supply chain companies throughout the West. The integration of customer experience into the heart of operations also reflects a shift toward more agile, collaborative product development, connecting customer needs directly with engineering solutions.
CEO Pete George highlighted the enduring relationship between PennEngineering and Ireland: “Our long-standing partnership with Ireland and the IDA spans over 20 years, and its support has been invaluable in fostering the growth and development of our business in Europe.”
From its roots in the U.S. to its dynamic base in Galway, PennEngineering continues to evolve as a forward-looking enterprise committed to global excellence. The new Tuam Road facility is more than a building—it’s a symbol of the company’s strategic vision, a beacon of high-tech industry in the West of Ireland, and a vital link in the global chain of manufacturing innovation.
After two decades in Galway, PennEngineering is not just reflecting on past successes, but actively building the infrastructure—and the talent pipeline—to lead the next era of engineered fastening solutions. With smart technologies, skilled teams, and deep community ties, PennEngineering is shaping not just products, but the future of advanced manufacturing on the western edge of Europe.
