Shared Island Industry Summit at Combilift
A practical day focused on collaboration, exports and learning from those already doing it
The inaugural Shared Island Industry Summit takes place March 13th at Combilift’s global HQ in Monaghan
On Friday March 13th, the Irish Wood and Interiors Network will host the Shared Island Industry Summit at the Combilift global headquarters – a full-day event bringing manufacturers together from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The Shared Island theme is a simple one. This event is about getting manufacturers from both sides of the border into the same room, sharing experience, learning from one another and looking at how, together, we can present a stronger and more connected Brand Ireland on the international stage.
Building a stronger Brand Ireland
Ireland has no shortage of manufacturing capability. What this summit aims to do is focus on how that capability can be better supported, better connected and better positioned for international markets, with an emphasis on practical collaboration and strengthening links that help Irish manufacturers compete more effectively on a global stage.
A major highlight of the day will be an in-depth factory tour of the Combilift facility, hosted by Martin McVicar and his team. Combilift is one of Ireland’s leading manufacturing success stories, exporting globally while competing at the very highest level in materials handling equipment.
The facility is widely regarded as one of the most advanced manufacturing operations in the country, offering valuable insight into automation, lean systems, production flow and manufacturing culture. For anyone involved in production, operations or long-term growth planning, there will be plenty to take away from seeing how a global exporter operates from an Irish base.
For travelling attendees arriving the evening before, there will also be an organised factory tour at Carnehill Joinery, one of Ireland’s best-known contract interiors manufacturers. This visit will provide insight into large-scale fit-out production, project delivery and the realities of manufacturing for complex commercial environments.
Niall O’Kane, Carnehill Group managing director
Carnehill Joinery’s operation is highly relevant to many companies across the sector, particularly those supplying or supporting major interior projects in Ireland and the UK. Seeing how a busy contract joinery business manages workflow, quality control and project coordination offers genuine learning for manufacturers at every stage of growth.
The summit will also feature contributions from industry partners who are actively working with manufacturers on international development. Freya Hanna from Cieblink will speak about her role in helping manufacturers navigate new markets and identify relevant customers, specifiers and commercial opportunities, helping companies focus on the right clients and markets from the outset.
Joining from North America, David Smith and the TDS Group team will outline the opportunity for Irish manufacturers in the US and Canadian markets. TDS works directly with manufacturers to support market entry, connecting companies with distributors, designers and end clients, and helping bridge the gap between deciding to export and actually getting started.
Connecting manufacturers with contractors
Paul Whitnell, CEO of the British & Irish Trading Alliance (BITA), will outline plans for a new pilot initiative designed to strengthen practical supply-chain links between manufacturers and UK contractors. The initiative centres on a structured, face-to-face meetup format, bringing a select group of manufacturers and contractors together in an organised “speed-dating” style setting.
The first pilot event is scheduled for the end of March and will take place at The Galtee Group factory in Limerick. Contractors due to attend include Ballymore, Laing O’Rourke, Comer Homes and the Elliott Group.
Throughout the day, the emphasis is on practical learning, open discussion and real experience. There will also be time for networking, allowing attendees to connect with peers, share ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration across the island.
Whether you are already exporting, actively planning your next move, or simply want to learn from companies who have gone before, the Shared Island Industry Summit at Combilift promises to be a valuable and worthwhile day out of the office.
