According to Silicon Republic, US manufacturing company Sanmina is expanding its Fermoy medical facility in north Cork, creating up to 150 skilled jobs in engineering, quality, manufacturing and operations. The expansion includes the company’s first new automation line already installed and commissioned, plus a new ISO8 clean room and several high-volume automation lines dedicated to producing wearable medical devices. The facility, which opened in 1989 and is Sanmina’s largest medical facility in Europe, was officially opened today (3 November) by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin. This development follows Sanmina’s recent $3 billion purchase of ZT Systems’ data centre infrastructure manufacturing business from AMD, positioning the company for significant growth in medical technology manufacturing.
The Strategic Shift Toward High-Margin Medical Manufacturing
Sanmina’s expansion represents more than just job creation—it signals a strategic pivot toward higher-margin medical device manufacturing at a time when traditional electronics manufacturing faces intense pricing pressure. The company’s diversified manufacturing portfolio spans defense, communications, and cloud infrastructure, but medical devices offer superior margins and longer product lifecycles. The timing is particularly strategic given recent supply chain disruptions in Asia and growing regulatory emphasis on regional manufacturing for critical medical equipment. This move positions Sanmina to capture value from both the growing wearable medical device market and the broader trend of medical device manufacturers seeking more resilient, geographically diverse supply chains.
Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Capabilities
The technical specifications revealed in this expansion—particularly the ISO8 clean room and high-volume automation lines—represent significant manufacturing sophistication. ISO8 classification indicates a controlled environment with strict particulate limits, essential for medical devices where contamination could compromise patient safety. The automation lines suggest Sanmina is preparing for volume production of complex wearable devices that may include sensors, connectivity modules, and power systems integrated into small form factors. This level of automation enables consistent quality at scale while reducing labor costs—critical for competing in global medical device markets. The facility’s evolution from basic manufacturing to advanced automation reflects the increasing complexity of modern medical devices that often blend electronics, software, and mechanical components.
Ireland’s MedTech Ecosystem Strengthens
This expansion significantly bolsters Ireland’s position as a European medtech hub, joining established players like IDA Ireland-supported operations from companies such as Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Abbott. The 150 skilled roles—particularly in engineering and quality—represent high-value employment that supports broader ecosystem development through knowledge transfer and supply chain development. Ireland’s combination of favorable corporate tax policies, EU market access, and established pharmaceutical and medical device expertise creates a compelling environment for medical manufacturing investment. Sanmina’s long-term presence since 1989 demonstrates the stability of Ireland’s value proposition for advanced manufacturing, even as global supply chains undergo significant reconfiguration.
Wearable Medical Devices: The Next Frontier
The specific focus on wearable medical devices aligns with several converging healthcare trends. The global wearable medical device market is projected to exceed $60 billion by 2028, driven by aging populations, chronic disease management needs, and remote patient monitoring adoption. These devices increasingly incorporate sophisticated sensors, wireless connectivity, and AI-driven analytics—all requiring the kind of advanced electronics manufacturing that Sanmina specializes in. The expansion positions Sanmina to serve medical device companies developing next-generation products for cardiac monitoring, diabetes management, neurological disorders, and remote patient monitoring—all areas experiencing rapid innovation and regulatory approval pathways.
Integration Challenges and Future Direction
Sanmina’s recent $3 billion acquisition from AMD adds complexity to their strategic positioning. Integrating data center infrastructure manufacturing with medical device production requires careful management of different regulatory requirements, quality systems, and customer expectations. Medical manufacturing operates under stringent FDA and EU MDR regulations, while data center equipment follows different standards. The company’s challenge will be maintaining the cultural and operational separation necessary for medical device quality while leveraging shared manufacturing expertise and supply chain advantages. Success will depend on whether Sanmina can achieve the scale benefits of a diversified manufacturer while meeting the specialized requirements of medical device customers who prioritize reliability and regulatory compliance above cost considerations.
