Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Pipelife, Ireland’s leading manufacturer and provider of plastic piping systems, has announced the launch of an ambitious 3-year Training, Innovation & Development Programme to support the future growth of the business. The Training, Innovation & Development programme, which marks the largest investment in people in Pipelife’s history, is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland.

“This is a €4 million programme which represents the largest investment in people in the history of our business. Our industry, like others, is changing. We knew we needed to evolve to stay ahead; to continue to be competitive, and to attract and retain the vital skills we need to continue to grow our business. This is all about investing in our people, and is going to be transformational for Pipelife,” said Gerard Healy, Managing Director of Pipelife Ireland, which is based in Little Island.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin TD said:“I am delighted to officially launch Pipelife’s Training, Innovation & Development Programme. The Government is committed to investing in vital infrastructure and skills to ensure our economy continues to grow, and similarly this €4 million programme demonstrates Pipelife’s commitment to not only strengthening and future-proofing its own business, but also contributing to the broader growth of Ireland’s manufacturing and sustainability sectors. Initiatives like this are vital in ensuring our workforce is equipped for the future, and I commend Pipelife for its forward-thinking approach. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this Training, Innovation & Development Programme, as well as the newly-opened Eco Renewables Training Academy, will have.”

Pipelife Ireland Managing Director, Gerard Healy, added: “IDA Ireland was hugely supportive of our plans from Day 1. We see this as a massive sign of confidence in what we do, how we do it, and our ambitions for the future. Similarly, our corporate parent, Wienerberger Group, is very excited about what we have planned in terms of this transformational up-skilling of our people over the next 3 years”.

Pipelife partnered with 3SIXTY, the Cork-based management consultancy, to design and deliver a site-wide, multi-year Training, Innovation & Development Programme. Gerard Healy explains “We knew we needed to do this but finding the time to do it was always the challenge. 3SIXTY did all of the heavy lifting in terms of building the Training, Innovation & Development programme.  We would not have done this if it wasn’t for 3SIXTY’s involvement”.

“Pipelife asked us to help design and deliver a site-wide Training, Innovation & Development Programme that would serve as a driver of growth for the business over the coming years” said 3SIXTY Managing Partner, Brian Cremin. “It was a huge thrill to kick off the delivery of the programme earlier this year. There is a great buzz across the business at seeing the programme now being rolled out. It’s a pleasure to be involved with Pipelife on this transformational initiative”.

The Programme includes a range of initiatives specifically tailored around Pipelife’s skills requirements. The programme will see Pipelife employees undertake training on a range of areas over the next 3 years, including Digitalisation, Leadership Development, Sustainability, Innovation, Operational Excellence, and Advanced Manufacturing techniques.

Pipelife has also completed its new state-of-the-art on-site Eco Renewables Training Academy. This will allow both trainee and fully-qualified plumbers, and other tradespeople, architects and specifiers to learn about the latest sustainability advancements in renewables in the sector, in a structured learning environment. This cutting-edge development will see Pipelife developing deeper relationships across industry, and Education & Training Boards in what is a hugely exciting step for the company.

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: “IDA Ireland is delighted to support Pipelife’s ambitious programme. This initiative showcases Pipelife’s commitment to advancing their workforce and integrating cutting-edge technologies. Investments like these are essential for keeping Ireland at the forefront of the manufacturing industry and promoting a culture of ongoing improvement and innovation. I wish them continued success”