Thermo King and GMIT to create new Engineering degree
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) and Thermo King have partnered to develop a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Automation and Robotics, building STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills in the local community.
The initiative includes the design by Thermo King of a special robotics automation training centre at its manufacturing plant in Galway.
This new bachelor’s degree is expected to result in a major upskilling in engineering, automation, and robotics capabilities within Ireland and beyond.
Thermo King, a brand of Trane Technologies and represented in Ireland by Ballinlough Refrigeration, says the creation of skills like this will empower the company to future proof for continued innovation and continue to be a leader in its ever-increasing electrified portfolio of transport refrigeration solutions for road (trucks, trailers, bus) air, ocean, and rail.
Minister of State and Galway TD, Hildegarde Naughton, says: “The development of this new Bachelor of Engineering Degree and the new Robotics Automation Training Centre very clearly demonstrates the pool of talent and skill that is available across Galway and its environs.
“This is a very exciting move which I am sure will bolster Galway’s place on the world map for engineering and automation. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this project to its fruition, particularly the team at Thermo King and the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.”
This project is supported by the government through IDA Ireland. Its CEO Martin Shanahan says: “Thermo King has been a significant and valued employer in Galway since 1976 and this announcement demonstrates its continued commitment to the West Region.
“IDA Ireland’s strategy 2021-2024 – Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth places a strong focus on Industry 4.0 and client investment in training and upskilling that will have potentially transformative impacts for companies. The collaboration with GMIT and the establishment of the Sean Kinsella Automation & Robotic training centre positions Thermo King to achieve those transformational goals.”
In 2020, Thermo King was awarded the Engineering Endeavour of Ireland by Engineers Ireland for its Advancer product, a trailer refrigeration unit.
A special manufacturing line was developed in Galway, align with Trane Technologies 2030 sustainability aspirations, and the commitment to reduce customers’ carbon emissions by one gigaton – equivalent to two per cent of the worlds annual emissions, or the annual emissions of Italy, France and the United Kingdom combined.