Seagate

Seagate Technology is the worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of hard disk drives for a wide range of enterprise, desktop, mobile computing and consumer electronics applications. Seagate's leadership position in the data storage industry is predicated on the ability to deliver advanced recording head technology to market ahead of the competition.

The Springtown facility in Derry was established by Seagate Recording Head Operations division in 1994. The facility has undergone a series of expansions since then, the most recent of which being the establishment in 2010 of a significant research and development organisation to supplement the existing volume manufacturing charter of the site.

The Springtown facility is the largest recording heads manufacturing site within Seagate. Approximately 1400 people are employed in the design and manufacture of recording heads, using leading edge technologies to supply 70% of the company's head requirements.  Device manufacturing involves a range of technologies, including high vacuum deposition and etch, photolithography, electroplating and CMP, supported by an extensive factory control systems infrastructure.

Involvement with ICMR

As a high technology volume manufacturing site, Seagate is continually looking to innovate in the area of manufacturing systems. ICMR offers the opportunity to engage with other companies and universities in Ireland, benchmark our current capabilities and help develop truly world-class manufacturing solutions.

Seagate's participation to date in ICMR has enabled the Springtown facility to identify common areas of potential research with the partner companies which align to Seagate's business needs. These research areas offer the potential for competitive advantage for the Springtown site, with the consequent opportunity for further investment.

Manufacturing systems capability is a core competency for Seagate's business strategy in general, and the Springtown facility in particular. Participation in the ICMR research agenda will provide the opportunity for further competency development of local Seagate staff through engagement with peers in other diverse high technology companies and academic institutions.

The ultimate goal of Seagate's participation in ICMR is to participate in driving a continuous stream of breakthrough innovations against real strategic business needs. This will help the Seagate Springtown facility deliver high value-add, low cost manufacturing solutions for future product developments.