Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland Lead Trade and Investment Mission to Germany to Strengthen Economic Ties

Combilift showcases its 100,000th Golden Combi-CBE forklift at EuroBLECH, Germany. Pictured left to right are: Kevin Buckley, Head of Germany DACH, Enterprise Ireland, Niamh Smyth T.D., Minister for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation (seated), Martin McVicar, CEO of Combift, Thomas Lyons, Sales Manager, Combilift DACH 


Irish space technology firm Réaltra secure landmark contract with spacecraft engineering company ArianeGroup, while Irish Aviation Cloud Innovation Company AMACH form an alliance with flight navigation firm Jeppesen. Portwest and Hoffman Group announce strategic partnership; ProSys Group partners with Merz Therapeutics and PPT Engineering

Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s trade and innovation agency and IDA Ireland is leading a trade and investment mission to Germany this week to bolster economic partnerships and create opportunities for increased trade and investment between Ireland and Germany, Europe’s largest economy. 

The mission, led by Niamh Smyth T.D., Minister for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, will focus on Southern Germany, including Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, to strengthen strategic collaborations in high-value sectors such as Construction, Agri-Tech, Automotive, Aviation & Space. 

As part of the trade mission, a number of Enterprise Ireland client companies are today announcing major new contracts and expansion in Germany, underscoring their role in driving technological advancements, including:

• Réaltra, a leading Irish space technology firm announced that they have secured a landmark contract with ArianeGroup to provide on-board live video telemetry for the Ariane 6 rocket, cementing Ireland’s growing influence in Europe’s space industry.
• In aviation, AMACH, an Irish Aviation Cloud Innovation Company, has formed an alliance with flight navigation firm Jeppesen to deliver cutting-edge cloud and AI solutions, enhancing operational efficiency in the sector.
• Combilift, a global leader in material handling, is showcasing its 100,000th Golden Combi-CBE forklift at EuroBLECH, celebrating Irish engineering excellence and its deep ties with Germany. Through its tailored solutions and multilingual support in the DACH region, Combilift’s electric and multidirectional forklifts bolster Germany’s automation and logistics efficiency.
• Irish workwear company Portwest and Hoffmann announce strategic partnership to deliver exceptional value and safety solutions across Germany and Europe
• ProSys Group, a leading Irish provider of pharmaceutical process equipment, has partnered with Merz Therapeutics and PPT Engineering to deliver a state-of-the-art pilot plant in Frankfurt for clinical trial manufacturing of sterile liquids.
• TireCheck, an innovator in automotive sensor technology, is advancing Germany’s automotive industry with new technology showcased at its Herbrechtingen site.
• Aerogen, a global leader in aerosol drug delivery, is expanding its presence in Germany through a new emergency services partnership and the launch of AerogenGo for homecare.
• EASYFIX, a pioneer in sustainable livestock housing solutions, is set to present its innovative slurry system at Agritechnica, reinforcing its leadership in over 60 countries. 

Germany is Ireland’s third-largest export market, with Enterprise Ireland client exports reaching €2.65 billion in 2024, a 13% year-on-year increase. Two-way trade between Ireland and Germany exceeds €60 billion, doubling since 2015, with Irish companies employing over 40,000 people in Germany and German firms supporting nearly 15,000 jobs in Ireland across sectors such as technology, life sciences and financial services.

The trade & investment mission will highlight the commitment of Irish companies to driving innovation and strengthening the high value two-way relationship with their German counterparts. Industry leaders such as Portwest, Kingspan, and Combilift are forging partnerships with German giants, delivering sustainable growth and cutting-edge solutions.

Leading the trade mission, Minister Niamh Smyth said: “This trade mission reflects the Irish Government’s commitment to expanding its engagement within the European Single Market. In line with the Government’s Market Diversification Strategy, this government-led mission to Germany, one of our key partners in Europe, reflects Ireland’s strategic commitment to deepening economic ties across Europe. By showcasing the innovation and expertise of Irish companies in sectors like MedTech, space, and sustainable construction, we are building lasting partnerships that drive mutual growth and create high-value opportunities for both nations.”

Kevin Buckley, Head of Germany DACH, Enterprise Ireland, added: “Irish companies in life sciences and MedTech are at the forefront of global innovation, and this mission to Germany provides a platform to strengthen collaborations with one of the world’s leading markets. Partnerships like those with ArianeGroup and Boeing’s Jeppesen demonstrate Ireland’s ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of Germany’s dynamic industries.”

Bernard Smith, European Director, IDA Ireland said “This trade and investment mission is a terrific opportunity to promote Ireland as a world class business location and very much open for business.  This mission plays an important role in deepening our relationships with key decision makers from leading companies in the region in order to win new investments for Ireland. It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to meet with our German clients in market and to share the strong message that Ireland is an excellent location choice for those investors considering establishing and expanding operations to serve their customer base in Europe and globally.”

Other key highlights of the trade mission include: 

• Minister Niamh Smyth will meet Bavarian State Secretary Herr Gotthardt to discuss deepening bilateral trade (Munich, 21st Oct).
• 100 Irish and German business leaders will attend a networking dinner to foster collaboration (Munich, 21st Oct).
• A visit to Joris Ide, a member of the Kingspan Group, showcasing sustainable construction solutions.
• Rubicon Archaeology Group marks 25 years of discovery with a new name, expanded European footprint, and a leading role on Germany’s SuedLink megaproject uncovering significant finds like a 12,000-year-old mammoth tusk.
• Usheru: Irish tech company strengthens its partnership with German Films, showcasing cutting-edge AI tools to enhance global film promotion.
• Boyne Valley Group launch Brillo Soap Pads across EDEKA, Germany’s largest supermarket chain, marking a major milestone in its 13-year partnership with Importhaus Wilms.

This trade mission underscores both Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland’s commitment to strengthening Ireland-Germany economic ties, driving innovation, and creating sustainable growth opportunities.

Ends

For reference or photography, please contact: 

Marika MacCarvill, Senior Communications Manager – Ireland & International 

00 353 86 171 2568 / marika.maccarvill@enterprise-ireland.com