North Cork firm Alps boosts medtech capabilities with latest ISO certification 

The company employs 350 people at its facility in Millstreet

John Foley of Alps Electric EMS in Millstreet with their ISO 13485 award.

Cork manufacturing firm Alps Electric EMS has looked to strengthen its position in the medical technology sector after achieving ISO 13485 certification, a standard recognised in the industry.

Headquartered in Japan, Alps has had a presence in Millstreet in North Cork since 1988, manufacturing electronic parts for the global automotive industry. The company employs 350 people at its Cork facility. In recent years, with the development of Alps Electric EMS, the company has developed its standing in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) sector beyond automotives to areas including medtech. 

Alps Electric EMS managing director John Foley said medical technology represents a "natural progression" for the business in Millstreet. "The disciplines, quality systems and attention to detail required by the medical sector closely align with the standards we have been applying throughout our operations for many years," said Mr Foley. "What makes me most proud is how our people came together to achieve this certification. We were told the process could take a year or more. Our team decided otherwise. Everybody understood the importance of what we were trying to achieve, worked together and delivered something extraordinary for the future of the business."

Alps Electric EMS has capabilities across engineering, automation development, injection moulding, electronics manufacturing, testing, assembly, and supply chain expertise.

The company says achieving ISO 13485 certification an important milestone in the company's growth as a trusted high-reliability manufacturing partner in the manufacture of medical devices. ISO 13485 is the internationally recognised standard for quality management systems within the medical device industry. Alps Electric EMS senior quality manager Thomas O'Leary said the certification will give medical device companies assured confidence when choosing a manufacturing partner.

The company will showcase its ISO 13485-certified manufacturing capabilities at the Medical Technology Ireland event taking place at Galway Racecourse from Wednesday September 23 to Wednesday September 24.