Atlantic Prosthetic Orthotic Solutions (APOS ) in Oranmore is celebrating after scooping a coveted award from InterTradeIreland. It is one of only six businesses across the island that has been recognised by the cross-border body for its innovation capabilities.
In business for over two decades, the firm manufactures prosthetic and orthotic products, including prosthetics to replace lower and upper limbs, such as shoulders and hands.
The project with InterTradeIreland’s Innovation Boost programme involved funding for a graduate to work in the business, as well as providing a partnership with Queen’s University Belfast to build additive manufacturing and 3D printing capabilities into the company.
General Manager Darren Mathews said participation in the Innovation Boost programme has made a real difference to the firm.
“We’ve always been a very customer focused company and we always will be, but this type of collaboration has given us even more confidence to go out and seek further solutions for our clients. I’d recommend Innovation Boost to anyone who wants to focus on research and development to move their business forward. We’ve embedded what we’ve learned into the business and we will continue to innovate.”
Dr Alex Lennon from the school of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queen’s who worked on the project says, “It was great to work with APOS; they had a willingness to innovate and learn.”
“For any business that is generating ideas, but hasn’t done anything about them, I’d advise them to go on the Innovation Boost programme to advance those ideas and turn them into reality. It gives you the opportunity to meet customer need and stand out from your competitors.”
Janet Toal, Innovation Manager at InterTradeIreland comments, “APOS are to be congratulated. They have now built innovative processes into their business, which enables them to take a strategic approach to business growth. This has helped to future-proof their business. InterTradeIreland is delighted to award APOS Exemplar Status.”
“It is important that we recognise the success of APOS, which we hope will encourage other SMEs to participate in the Innovation Boost programme. It’s easy to apply for and can improve productivity and increase revenue potential.”
For further information on InterTradeIreland and the business supports available, please visit www.intertradeireland.com
