Founded in 1927, Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive product portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. With over 17,000 people around the world, the company has operations in more than 25 countries and sells products in more than 100 countries.
To alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for people around the world.
Employing over 800 people in Ireland, the company has two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, located in Shannon, Co Clare and Oranmore, Co Galway, which support the global market. The Shannon Site was established in 2008 & the Oranmore site was established in 2015.
The Ireland operations are heavily focused around the use of leading-edge technology, innovation and continuous improvement. The company uses integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
“Our team is at the heart of our success,” said David Keane, Site Director, Zimmer Biomet Ireland & UK. “I am proud to say that our operations in Ireland are the standard bearers for the global operations network. We have had a very positive experience of doing business in Ireland. Indeed, we have experienced continued growth in our operations here over the last eighteen months and look to the future with confidence.”
Both Irish sites specialise in manufacturing orthopaedic implants for knee replacements.
Shannon manufactures the femur, one of the three components required for knee replacement surgery with the other two components produced in Galway. Our Galway operations deliver products that treat a broad range of musculoskeletal health conditions, as well as helping alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for people around the world. Our Galway site specialises in manufacturing implant bearings for partial or full knee replacements, tibia plates, shoulder stems and hip cups. Reflecting on the growth of the Ireland operations, Mike O’Malley, Snr Manufacturing Manager said, “It’s great to be part of an organisation, positively impacting so many people’s lives around the world.” Our success can be attributed to our talented and culturally diverse team, our relentless focus on quality, investment in leading edge technology, and our strong culture of innovation and continuous improvement.”
Additive Manufacturing, also known as 3D Printing, produces three dimensional parts, layer by layer from a metal material. Zimmer Biomet Galway is one of the few manufacturing companies in the region to have access to this state-of-the art technology. The Additive Manufacturing project team has already set up and validated 3D printing in addition to establishing a testing lab and a number of downstream activities.
Building on Galway’s track record of success, Zimmer Biomet recently introduced a brand new function, the EMEA Labelling and Packaging Systems Design and Development Centre. The team will be responsible for the introduction of new packaging designs and the development and improvement of existing packaging systems. This is Zimmer Biomet Ireland’s first venture into a service that supports global needs as well as augmenting the Company’s manufacturing capability.
Zimmer Biomet is committed to helping each and every one of its employees reach their full potential in a supportive and friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on people development and further education.
“While we are constantly looking to attract high calibre candidates across all disciplines, I am delighted to say that many of our employees who joined us at the outset have significantly advanced their careers with us over the last fifteen years,” said Breeda Kissane, Human Resources Director.
In addition to a wealth of on-the-job training opportunities and a mentorship programme, Zimmer Biomet also supports its employees to continue their education at institutions such as the University of Limerick, TUS Midwest, NUI Galway and the Atlantic Technology University Galway & Sligo.
As part of the companies guiding principles “Give back to our communities and people in need” the company is committed to giving back to local causes through donations and employee volunteering with a strong focus on building healthy communities, supporting sick children in Ireland, advancing STEM education and raising environmental awareness. Charities supported include Milford Hospice, Galway Hospice and BUMBLEance, a national charity devoted to transporting extremely ill children or children with life limiting illnesses to their hospital appointments.
Zimmer Biomet and its employees also regularly raise funds for charity events such as Daffodil Day and Darkness into Light, while also marking key dates like Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and International Women’s Day in March.
Zimmer Biomet is committed to enhancing our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosures over time. As part of this commitment work is currently under way in both the Shannon and Oranmore sites to install over 4,000 solar panels.
Both sites are certified to the Environmental Management System ISO 14001:2015 and Occupational Health and Safety System ISO 45001:2018.
Likewise, employees are actively involved in giving back to the local community with many volunteering to mentor pupils at local schools through Junior Achievement.
For example, more than 350 children in twelve primary schools across Clare, Galway, Limerick and Tipperary have learned about biodiversity and how to reduce waste, reuse and recycle, thanks to an environmental initiative run by the company as part of the Junior Achievement outreach programme. Under this initiative, dubbed Keen to Keep it Green, the company donated trees and wildflowers and its employees, visited schools to plant trees, wildflowers and run litter clean-ups.
In 2021, with the goal of encouraging a new generation to enjoy a career in STEAM, Zimmer Biomet launched an annual scholarship award programme focused on supporting the children or dependents of its employees in both Shannon and Galway.
To date, thirteen students have benefitted from the programme. In addition to paying third-level fees for the academic year, Zimmer Biomet provides participants with opportunities to participate in a summer placement programme to gain hands-on work experience. The Scholars also enjoy peer groups, mentorship and career workshops.
Congratulating the group at a recent recognition ceremony, David Keane said, “This award programme is designed to identify and nurture young talent. We value our team members and the communities within which we operate. We know that they are an important part of our ongoing success in Ireland. This is about paying it forward and building a strong pipeline of talent for the future.”
Zimmer Biomet is a company that values the well-being of its employees and their families. In addition to an onsite gym, regular draws and an active Sports and Social Club, the company hosts an annual Family Day and Kiddies’ Christmas Party, where employees are invited to bring their families along to enjoy food and fun activities together.
Zimmer Biomet is currently recruiting Product Builders at their Shannon and Oranmore facilities. Previous manufacturing or trade experience, while advantageous, is not essential as full training is provided.
Initially, these are 11-month contracts with Zimmer Biomet’s partner, CareerWise Recruitment. Zimmer Biomet offers a very competitive package once team members are converted.
Zimmer Biomet is committed to helping each and every one of its team members reach their full potential in a supportive and friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on training and people development. The Company is now seeking team members at its Galway plant in the following areas:
Visit our site, Zimmer Biomet Careers for more information
