Ford links up with Enterprise Ireland

FORD and Daimler-Chrysler trucks of the future could well contain parts designed in Cork as a result of an Enterprise Ireland led trade mission to Detroit, Michigan.

Levitat, based in the Marina in Cork ,took part in the trade mission to America’s legendary “motor city” during which the company had meetings with representatives of Ford, Daimler-Chrysler and the US Department of Commerce Export Assistance Centre.

The company has patented a clever piece of technology called the Wheelcrown, a new safety device for large trucks. The device offers a new method of attaching wheels to trucks that is faster, simpler and safer.

Levitat is particularly interested in a licensing agreement with a US company, whereby the licensee would develop Wheelcrown. The transatlantic partner would sell Wheelcrown in the North American market in return for a licence fee.

Company’s founder, Stephen Murphy, is a graduate of Cork Institute of Technology and has completed Enterprise Ireland’s South West Region Graduate Enterprise Programme.

In March this year, he won second place in the prestigious Coca-Cola National Enterprise Awards for the development of the Wheelcrown.

“This was a marvellous opportunity for Levitat to meet key players in the US automotive industry and secure the partnership it seeks.” said Brian Quinlan, Enterprise Ireland’ South West Regional Director.

“Irish firms have built up a particular expertise in the engineering sector and this visit will help build links with the US automotive industry for companies in that sector.'

Enterprise Ireland launched has a regional development strategy earlier this year with the aim of getting a better balance of jobs development across the country.

A top priority is to entice businesses to locate in the regions outside of Dublin which is burdened with rocketing houses prices and near standstill in gridlock traffic.

In addition, specific teams have been established to increase the number of high potential start up companies in regional locations.