A training course in specialised stitching, developed by The Home Economics Department at St Angela’s College, Sligo was central to the decision of German Biomedical Company Jenavalve announcing plans to commence manufacturing in Sligo.

An innovative collaboration between the IDA, Department of Social Protection and the Home Economics Department at St Angela’s resulted in the cutting-edge company’s decision to base its specialist facility in Sligo. Assisted by funding from the Higher Education Authority Springboard 2014 Programme and an endowment from the company, 20 students who enrolled on a training initiative to study how to stitch for medical implants completed their course just last week.

The President of St. Angela’s College, Dr. Anne Taheny welcomes this initiative and stated that “the transition of a company manufacturing heart valves into Ireland, and specifically into Sligo, will be a major boost to the local economy. In a first for a new company setting up in Ireland, the initial employees of the company will be people from the live register, all of whom will have been trained by the Home Economics Department team.” Dr. Taheny acknowledges the work of the team of staff who have supported and delivered this programme in a specialised facility on the St. Angela’s Campus - Amanda Mc Cloat, Ursula O’Shea and Helen Maguire.

There is significant growth potential, as identified by the IDA, in this area and because of the specialised expertise of the Home Economics Department’s Textiles Team and the training programme they have developed, already there is interest from other Medical Device Manufacturers in this programme.

This exciting development, a significant boost for the regional economy, was announced by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, last week and was welcomed by business leaders and politicians, locally and nationally.