In a major milestone for Ireland’s manufacturing sector, the FactoryXChange Digital Hub at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) in Mullingar has been officially opened. The opening of the Hub also further enhances the position of the Midlands region as a centre of excellence in Advanced Manufacturing for the country.
FactoryXChange (FXC) is a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) that enables Industry 5.0 factories to integrate ecological, digital, and societal solutions into their core business models. FXC is best positioned to support the ambitions of the Digital Europe Programme 2021-2027 to ensure that Europe embraces the digital transformation of the economy and society and brings its benefits to businesses and citizens.
FXC works towards extending digital competencies (high performance computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity) and advanced skills in digital technologies to stakeholders, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), contributing to Europe’s strategic autonomy, and accelerating deployment and best use in areas of public interest and the private sector. FXC operationalises Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy priority areas of Manufacturing (Industry5.0) and where industry overlaps with ICT, energy, health, and Key Digital Technologies considering the ethical, security, data, and equality challenges.
The overall objective of FXC is to realise the EDIH as a one-stop-shop with impact. Operationalising an Industry 5.0 EDIH that responds to customer needs in a fast flexible manner, removing financial and operational barriers, by disrupting the way we make things through digital innovations and knowledge exchange.
The FXC Hub in Mullingar is a national gateway for digital transformation—created to equip manufacturers with the tools, insights, and partnerships they need to succeed in a fast-evolving industrial landscape.
Why the Digital Hub Matters Now
With over 500 digital services already booked through FactoryXChange, and more than 230 Irish businesses actively engaged, the demand for accessible, high-impact innovation support has never been clearer. The new FXC Hub directly answers that call—offering hands-on access to real-world digital solutions for manufacturing.
The FactoryXChange project has received funding from the Digital Europe Programme and the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) managed in Ireland by Enterprise Ireland, allowing them to offer services with up to 100% discount—eliminating cost as a barrier to innovation.
Six Ways the Hub Strengthens the Ecosystem
- It makes digital innovation visible. The FXC Hub gives manufacturers a clear place to start. It’s a physical anchor in a complex support landscape—bringing strategy, technology, and expert guidance together.
- It reduces the risk of going digital. Through demonstrations, diagnostics, and test-before-invest options, manufacturers can explore AI, data tools, and smart systems without upfront commitment.
- It connects people, not just platforms. The Hub brings together business leaders, digital strategists, and technology experts in one collaborative space focused on action and results.
- It strengthens national reach. Based at IMR in the Midlands, the Hub is part of a wider FactoryXChange network delivering impact across all Irish regions.
- It showcases what’s working. Attendees at today’s event experienced real SME success stories, live dashboards, and proven use cases—evidence that digital transformation is already happening across Irish manufacturing.
- It sets the stage for what’s next. With the Hub now open, FactoryXChange is scaling up its mission to enable manufacturers to grow, compete, and lead in a digitally connected future.
Looking Ahead
The FXC Hub is now live. It belongs to industry. Whether just starting or ready to scale, the FXC Digital Hub at IMR Mullingar is the space to explore, connect, and grow.
Learn more at www.factoryxchange.ie
