Co-developed with Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), the BEng in Automation and Robotics brings essential skills to the community and includes design of a 3D manufacturing robotics automation training centre at the Thermo King Galway plant. 

Thermo King, a brand of Trane Technologies has announced its collaboration with GMIT, the development of a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Automation and Robotics, building STEM skills in the local community.

Special robotics automation training centre

The initiative includes the design by Thermo King of a special robotics automation training centre at its manufacturing plant in Galway. This new bachelor’s degree will result in a major upskilling in engineering, automation, and robotics capabilities within Ireland and beyond.

The creation of skills like this will empower Thermo King to future proof for continued innovation and continue to be a leader in its ever-increasing electrified portfolio of transport refrigeration solutions for road (trucks, trailers, bus) air, ocean, and rail.

Trane Technologies, with headquarters in Swords, Dublin, is a global leader in efficient and sustainable climate innovation for buildings, homes, and transportation. With its strategic brands Thermo King® and Trane® it partners with customers to address sustainability challenges through heating, cooling, and transport refrigeration solutions.

By boldly challenging what is possible for a more sustainable future, Trane Technologies is leading the way with an environmentally responsible portfolio of products and service, employing more than 37,000 people globally, 800 employees in Ireland at locations in Galway, Shannon and Dublin of which close to 600 are employed at the Galway plant.

Minister of State and Galway TD, Hildegarde Naughton, said: “The development of this new Bachelor of Engineering Degree and the new Robotics Automation Training Centre very clearly demonstrates the pool of talent and skill that is available across Galway and its environs.

'Bolster Galway’s place on the world map for engineering and automation'

"This is a very exciting move which I am sure will bolster Galway’s place on the world map for engineering and automation. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this project to its fruition, particularly the team at Thermo King and the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.”

IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan said: “Thermo King has been a significant and valued employer in Galway since 1976 and today’s announcement demonstrates its continued commitment to the west region. IDA Ireland’s strategy 2021-2024 – Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth places a strong focus on Industry 4.0 and client investment in training and upskilling that will have potentially transformative impacts for companies.

"The collaboration with GMIT and the establishment of the Sean Kinsella Automation & Robotic training centre positions Thermo King to achieve those transformational goals. I wish the team every success.”

“In recent years, Thermo King has invested heavily in new technologies and the development of critical automation skills at the Galway campus”, said Cormac Mac Donncha, vice-president integrated supply chain, Thermo King EMEA.

“As well as the Engineering Automation Robotics Bachelor programme which we were delighted to co-develop with GMIT, we’ve seen the creation of a new carbon-neutral manufacturing production line at our plant here in Galway, and the expansion of our research and development facility.

"The new robotics automation training centre is equipped with classrooms and labs involving 3D manufacturing, robotics, visions systems, and PLCs, allowing students to get real-time experience during their study. We know this automation robotics training centre is very unique. This is good for our employees and good for our community.”

President of GMIT Dr Orla Flynn said: “GMIT is very pleased to be associated with the new Thermo King Automation Centre. We are particularly happy to have developed a new engineering degree in automation and robotics in collaboration with the team at Thermo King.

Sustainability aspirations

"This is an award-winning collaboration and an excellent example of how GMIT can support FDI companies in the region. I want to pay tribute to our own team from the School of Engineering in GMIT who led on this, including Des O’Reilly, Dr Carine Gachon and Prof Graham Heaslip.”

Last year, Thermo King was awarded the Engineering Endeavour of Ireland by Engineers Ireland for its ADVANCER product, an innovative trailer refrigeration unit.

A special manufacturing line was developed in Galway, align with Trane Technologies 2030 sustainability aspirations, and the commitment to reduce customers’ carbon emissions by one gigaton – equivalent to 2% of the world's annual emissions, or the annual emissions of Italy, France and the United Kingdom combined. 

This project is supported by the government through IDA Ireland.