Midland Steel Unveils State-of-the-Art Fully Automated Facility in Portlaoise
Midland Steel, one of Ireland's leading steel reinforcement companies, has opened its cutting-edge, fully automated steel fabrication facility in Portlaoise, signaling a major shift in the country’s construction industry. The opening ceremony, held on March 7th, 2025, was attended by Peter Burke T.D., the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, who emphasized the transformative potential of this state-of-the-art facility. The €16 million facility, set to revolutionize the way steel is processed for construction projects, aligns perfectly with Ireland’s growing demand for modern methods of construction.
This investment signifies a massive leap forward for the company, as it enhances both its local manufacturing capacity and its competitive standing in the global steel industry. It represents an integral step in Midland Steel’s ambitious growth strategy, aimed at meeting the global shift towards sustainable construction and contributing to Ireland's green agenda.
FasterFix: Revolutionizing Rebar Technology
At the core of Midland Steel’s innovation is its FasterFix modular rebar technology, which marks a fundamental departure from traditional steel fixing processes. Unlike conventional methods that require cutting, bending, and fixing steel bars onsite, FasterFix uses pre-assembled modular rebar units that are ready for immediate installation in concrete foundations and structures. This approach significantly speeds up construction, cuts costs, and reduces on-site labor requirements.
Tony Woods, the Founder of Midland Steel, commented on the revolutionary nature of FasterFix, saying:
"Our FasterFix technology is more than just a product; it’s a complete transformation in how we think about steel fixing and construction. It brings enormous efficiency gains, reducing the time to complete projects by 75% and cutting labor costs by 80%. This technology helps us set new benchmarks in the industry, and we’re proud to offer such a significant improvement in the construction process."
In addition to accelerating construction timelines and reducing labor costs, FasterFix brings a 30% reduction in preliminary costs, making it highly attractive to developers and contractors. The technology is designed to improve the entire construction process, from the initial design phase to the final stages of building.
The SMART Facility: Leading the Way in Automation
The Portlaoise facility is unique in its design, representing Ireland's first fully automated steel fabrication plant. This facility is equipped with the latest robotic systems, allowing for the automation of the entire rebar cutting, bending, and assembly process. By utilizing advanced robotics, Midland Steel ensures that the steel reinforcement products it manufactures meet the highest standards of precision, quality, and sustainability.
The facility’s automation has increased manufacturing capacity by 60%, enabling Midland Steel to process larger orders in less time. It also supports a zero-waste manufacturing process, which significantly reduces the environmental impact of steel production.
Minister Peter Burke T.D. expressed his pride in Midland Steel's accomplishments, stating:
"Midland Steel’s investment in cutting-edge automation demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to staying at the forefront of construction innovation. This new facility will not only support local employment and skills development but also position Ireland as a leader in the global movement towards sustainable construction practices."
The SMART facility ensures that the company is not only meeting but exceeding the demands of modern construction projects, offering a more efficient, environmentally friendly approach to steel production.
A Commitment to Sustainable Construction
In addition to improving operational efficiency, Midland Steel’s investment focuses on sustainability. With the construction industry being a significant contributor to carbon emissions, Midland Steel is making a concerted effort to minimize its environmental footprint. The Portlaoise facility produces steel with zero waste and significantly reduced emissions compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
The new facility is a perfect example of how automation and green technology can work in tandem to create more sustainable manufacturing practices. Midland Steel is positioning itself as a green leader in the European steel market by producing sustainable steel with minimal environmental impact, aligning perfectly with the increasing demand for eco-friendly construction solutions.
Employment and Economic Impact
The opening of the facility is not only an important milestone for Midland Steel but also for the Irish economy. The company is projected to create 62 new jobs over the next three years, including roles in engineering, robotics, BIM modeling, and steel fixing. These jobs are a direct result of the facility’s advanced automation, which also brings highly skilled positions into the local job market.
Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland, remarked:
"Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Midland Steel’s journey towards becoming a global leader in steel reinforcement. This project represents a significant investment in both innovation and the local economy, and we look forward to supporting the company as it expands its reach and capabilities in the international construction sector."
The facility’s job creation is expected to provide a boost to Portlaoise’s economy, offering high-quality employment opportunities while driving the country’s leadership in modern construction methods.
Meeting Ireland’s Housing Targets
With the Irish Government committed to building 300,000 homes by 2030, Midland Steel’s innovations are ideally positioned to support these ambitious targets. FasterFix’s ability to drastically cut build times will help developers meet these goals more efficiently, without the need for an expanded workforce from outside Ireland.
The company's solutions are designed to meet the growing demand for housing and infrastructure while helping Ireland transition to more sustainable building practices. The speed and cost-efficiency offered by the FasterFix system will be instrumental in achieving Ireland’s housing objectives.
Expanding Beyond Ireland
The success of Midland Steel’s Portlaoise facility also paves the way for the company’s expansion into international markets. With established plants in the UK and Norway, the company is poised to expand further, bringing its cutting-edge technology to new regions. Midland Steel’s projected revenue growth is substantial, with expectations for an additional €35 million in revenue over the next three years as a result of its global expansion.
Tony Woods shared his excitement about the company’s international prospects:
"We’ve already seen the impact of FasterFix in Ireland and the UK, and we’re excited to bring these solutions to new markets. Our goal is to revolutionize the way steel is used in construction worldwide. This facility is a key part of that journey, and we look forward to expanding our global footprint."
Successful Collaborations
Several construction companies have already reaped the benefits of Midland Steel’s innovative technology. One of these companies, John Paul Construction, used FasterFix technology on the Harcourt Plaza project in Dublin 2. By adopting Midland Steel’s modular rebar solutions, they were able to cut their steel fixing program by 75%, resulting in substantial capital cost savings.
John Paul Construction has praised the company’s technology, with a representative saying:
"The FasterFix solution was a game-changer for our project at Harcourt Plaza. We were able to save time and costs, while also improving the quality and safety of our work. Midland Steel’s innovation made a real difference in our ability to deliver the project on time and within budget."
Government Support and Future Vision
The Irish government has strongly supported Midland Steel’s innovations, recognizing the company’s role in shaping the future of the construction industry. Minister Burke emphasized the importance of continued investment in sustainable construction technologies, stating:
"Midland Steel's new facility is a key example of how Irish companies can lead the way in the transition to more sustainable and efficient construction methods. The government is fully committed to supporting businesses like Midland Steel that are driving innovation and job creation in our economy."
Kevin Sherry from Enterprise Ireland also highlighted the broader impact of Midland Steel’s investment:
"This is a major milestone not only for Midland Steel but also for Ireland’s construction industry as a whole. The innovative solutions being developed here will have a significant impact on the global construction market, and Enterprise Ireland is excited to continue supporting the company’s growth."
Key Takeaways:
• €16 Million Investment: Midland Steel’s new fully automated steel fabrication facility in Portlaoise represents a major investment in modern construction methods.
• 75% Reduction in Build Time: FasterFix modular rebar technology reduces build time by 75%, enabling faster project completions.
• 80% Less Onsite Labor: The technology reduces labor requirements by 80%, lowering costs and improving efficiency.
• 30% Reduction in Prelim Costs: Clients benefit from a 30% reduction in preliminary costs through the use of FasterFix.
• 60% Increase in Manufacturing Capacity: The fully automated facility increases production capacity by 60%, enabling Midland Steel to meet growing demand.
• Zero-Waste Manufacturing: The facility operates with zero waste, positioning Midland Steel as an eco-friendly leader in the steel industry.
• 62 New Jobs: The facility is expected to create 62 new jobs in engineering, robotics, and steel fixing over the next three years.
• Global Expansion Plans: Midland Steel has established plants in the UK and Norway, with plans to expand into new international markets.
• Government Support: The Irish government has strongly supported Midland Steel’s investment, which aligns with the country’s goals for sustainable construction.
• Successful Collaborations: Leading contractors like John Paul Construction have experienced the benefits of Midland Steel’s FasterFix technology, saving time and costs.
The launch of Midland Steel’s SMART facility marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the construction industry, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. With its ambitious global expansion plans, Midland Steel is set to play a key role in the future of construction worldwide.
