Thermo King develops Bachelor of Engineering Degree

The initiative includes the design by Thermo King of a special robotics automation training centre at their manufacturing plant in Galway. This new bachelor’s degree will result in a major upskilling in engineering, automation, and robotics capabilities within Ireland and beyond. The creation of skills like this will empower Thermo King 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.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Trane Technologies, with headquarters in Swords, Dublin, is a global leader in efficient and sustainable climate innovation for buildings, homes, and transportation. With their strategic brands Thermo King and Trane they partner with customers to address sustainability challenges through heating, cooling, and transport refrigeration solutions.

By boldly challenging what is possible for a more sustainable future, Trane Technologies is creating an environmentally responsible portfolio of products and service, employing more than 37,000 people globally, 800 employees in Ireland at locations in Galway, Shannon and Dublin of which close to 600 are employed at the Galway plant.

Minister of State and Galway TD, Hildegarde Naughton, said: “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.”

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD, added: “This is a very welcome collaboration between Thermo King and Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology to deliver a new Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Automation and Robotics. This new degree will attract those seeking to further develop their skills in this area and will make a major contribution to the innovative capability in the region. Automation and Robotics is set for a bright future, and initiatives like this one will ensure Ireland continues to play a leading role in this sector. I wish all involved the very best.”

IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan, said: “Thermo King has been a significant and valued employer in Galway since 1976 and today’s 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.  I wish the team every success.”

“In recent years, Thermo King has invested heavily in new technologies and the development of critical automation skills at the Galway campus,” added Cormac Mac Donncha, Vice President Integrated Supply Chain, Thermo King EMEA. “As well as the Engineering Automation Robotics Bachelor program which we were delighted to co-develop with GMIT, we’ve seen the creation of a new carbon-neutral manufacturing production line at our plant here in Galway, and the expansion of our research and development facility.

“The new robotics automation training centre is equipped with classrooms and labs involving 3D manufacturing, robotics, visions systems, and PLCs, allowing students to get real-time experience during their study. We know this automation robotics training centre is very unique. This is good for our employees and good for our community.”

President of GMIT Dr Orla Flynn said: “GMIT is very pleased to be associated with the new Thermo King Automation Centre. We are particularly happy to have developed a new engineering degree in Automation and Robotics in collaboration with the team at Thermo King. This is an award-winning collaboration and an excellent example of how GMIT can support FDI companies in the region. I want to pay tribute to our own team from the School of Engineering in GMIT who led on this, including Des O’Reilly, Dr Carine Gachon and Prof Graham Heaslip.”

Last year, Thermo King was awarded the Engineering Endeavour of Ireland by Engineers Ireland for its ADVANCER product, an innovative 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 percent of the worlds annual emissions, or the annual emissions of Italy, France and the United Kingdom combined.