*PICTURED: Attending the launch of Vitalograph’s special commemorative exhibition as the company marks its 50th anniversary operating in Ennis are Bernard Garbe, Chairperson of the Board, Vitalograph, Frank Keane CEO, Vitalograph and Helen Venn, Chief Science and Strategy Officer, Vitalograph. Photo by Brian Arthur
Vitalograph, a global leader in respiratory diagnostic solutions, has opened a special commemorative exhibition in glór entitled “50 Years of Growing with Ennis” as it marks its 50th anniversary of operating in County Clare.
Mayor of Ennis Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy officiated at the launch event at the weekend.
The exhibition celebrates Vitalograph’s connection with Ennis and provides a fascinating historical and social commentary for everyone to enjoy. Engaging displays and interactive elements document the company’s evolution and achievements over the past five decades as seen through the eyes of past and current employees.
“The central focus of this exhibition is our people, past and present. If it weren’t for the Vitalograph team over the past 50 years, Vitalograph would not be where it is today, or indeed be in existence at all,” said Vitalograph’s CEO Frank Keane. “We are one of the largest employers in Ennis and we want to celebrate the fact that you can develop a world-class company right here. The support, infrastructure and talent are here and they’ve been crucial to our success.”
Based in Ennis since 1974, today Vitalograph has become a global leader in respiratory diagnostics. The company develops and manufactures innovative respiratory diagnostic devices for all levels of the healthcare sector. It also delivers clinical trial services to pharmaceutical companies around the world that are developing therapies with a respiratory focus. Notably, Vitalograph is the only company in the world providing FDA-validated objective cough monitoring to commercial pharmaceutical companies, biotech and research organizations.
In 2022, Vitalograph announced the opening of two new sites in Ennis and Limerick, with the creation of 200 new jobs due to increased global demand for its solutions. At that time, it also completed the reshoring of its consumables manufacturing from Asia to Ennis. Two years on and the company continues to grow; now employing almost 600 people worldwide with 404 employed between Ennis and Limerick.
Having outgrown its space at the Innovation Hub in Limerick, Vitalograph recently purchased a 10,000 sq ft office on Mount Kennet Street which is currently being remodelled to accommodate Cough Analysis and R&D teams working on the development of respiratory diagnostic solutions. The acquisition of a facility adjacent to its Ennis headquarters at Gort Road Industrial Estate has also been completed, increasing Vitalograph’s footprint by 40,000 sqft. This new warehouse space will facilitate Vitalograph’s growing exports of PFT and spirometry devices as well as its consumables.
Speaking at the official opening of the new exhibition Frank Keane said, “We wanted to use the occasion of our 50th anniversary to pause and reflect upon the journey that we’ve had so far in Ireland, at the heart of the Ennis community. We’re really proud of what we have achieved and how we’ve contributed to the improved management of lung health. We are excited to continue our journey of innovation and excellence in respiratory diagnostics from Ennis.”
The exhibition “Vitalograph – 50 Years of Growing with Ennis” will remain open to the public at glór until 30th August, with free entry for all visitors.
