Ireland is now the 6th largest FDI investor in the United States, and Irish businesses employ hundreds of thousands across that nation.
As St Patrick’s Day approaches and as Ireland’s Taoiseach prepares to meet with US President Donald Trump, it is worth reflecting on the important relationship between the two countries.
According to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, Ireland’s FDI into the US stood at $351bn in 2023.
“The US has long been, and remains, one of Ireland’s most steadfast economic partners and we are focused on driving even more economic value to the USA through investment, job creation and spend in the economy”
These investments span industries from technology and financial services to pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.
Today, more than 700 Irish companies operate across all 50 states, employing 110,000 in the US.
On a per capita basis Ireland is number 1 in the world for investment in the USA.
Recent CSO data indicated that Irish exports to the US surged to a record €72.6bn in 2024, up €18.6bn (34%) on 2023.
An outsized economic impact
“Ireland delivers an outsized economic impact to the USA in terms of investment, buying billions of dollars of American goods and services and creating jobs in the USA,” said Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin, TD, who this week is leading a trade mission of more than 30 companies to the US.
“The US has long been, and remains, one of Ireland’s most steadfast economic partners and we are focused on driving even more economic value to the USA through investment, job creation and spend in the economy.
“Irish multinational companies are deeply embedded and invested in the US market with significant manufacturing footprint and employment across the USA. This substantial investment underscores the commitment of Irish enterprises to the US market and reflects a deepening economic interdependence between the two countries.”
Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s trade and innovation agency, this week announced its seventh office in the US, with the opening of a new office in Atlanta to further boost the success and growth of Irish companies in the States.
Enterprise Ireland supports nearly 950 Irish companies to invest and scale in the USA and in the past 18 months alone, has supported more than 80 Irish companies to establish new US presences, bringing strengthened partnership to US industry.
Here are examples of Irish businesses making their mark on the US economy in jobs and investment:
Applegreen
Forecourt player Applegreen recently revealed plans to invest €1bn over the next five years to expand its business.
Applegreen has invested €1bn in the US in the decade since it bought its first two sites in New York’s Long Island in 2014 and is now one of the largest Irish employers in the United States.
Applegreen, which currently serves 180m customers per year, plans to invest in a major expansion in Ireland and the United States, as well as investments in its Welcome Break business in Britain, and its growing electric vehicle (EV) charging network.
In the United States, Applegreen currently operates more than 100 motorway service areas, and it believes there is significant scope to expand this part of its overall business.
Food is now the main element of Applegreen’s business in the US, where it operates restaurant and café brands such as Burger King, Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, Starbucks, Dunkin, Panera Bread and Panda Express.
Ardagh Group
The leading packaging producer Ardagh operates 17 US plants across 12 states, serving top beer, food, and spirits brands.
Ardagh Group employs around 6,000 people in the US and has invested $1.5bn in its US operations over the past four years.
Axonista
Dublin-headquartered interactive video tech firm Axonistalast year into a strategic partnership with US streaming giant Vizbee to bring TV shopping to cross-device streaming experiences.
Axonista co-founder Claire McHugh (pictured) told ThinkBusiness that the breakthrough deal was forged a Bank of Ireland’s NYC Hub (see below) last year.
The business was one of the first cohort of Irish start-ups to use this unique Irish banking resource which is available to the Bank’s business customers.
Axonista is building the video-first future of shopping, and powers interactive video commerce for global brands including QVC, HSN, WaterBear, and Oxfam.
Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland’s Tony Dunne at the NYC Hub in Manhattan
Bank of Ireland has been in New York since 1976 and also has teams located in Chicago, LA and Stamford supporting economic ties between Ireland and the United States.
The Bank’s FDI team has supported over 600 international companies, many of them US-based, to set up in the Irish market.
The NYC Hub in Manhattan s available to Bank of Ireland customers looking to expand into the United States, with more than 30 businesses regularly using it currently.
Located at 2 Grand Central Tower in Manhattan, NYC Hub is a flexible workspace with seven offices, three meeting rooms, a conference room, 20 hot desks and event space accommodating up to 120 people. The Hub hosted 4,000 people and 113 events in 2023, double the volume of the previous year.
Climeaction
Cork-headquartered climate action sustainability business Climeaction is taking on America after a successful management buyout last year.
Climeaction is a multi-award-winning climate action solutions provider that works with business clients to review and focus on their ESG performance. Its management team has more than 50 years’ experience working with high calibre clients.
It recently emerged that the Irish climate action solutions provider is expanding its operations to the United States, establishing a permanent base in Boston with a team of 10 people.
This expansion reflects the company’s significant growth and will enable Climeaction to continue to support key multinational clients in the US manufacturing industry including Analog Devices, Abbott, Garrett Motion, and Aryzta.
The business revealed last year that it was expanding its operations to the United States, establishing a permanent base in Boston with a team of 10 people. This expansion reflects the company’s significant growth and will enable Climeaction to continue to support key multinational clients in the U.S. manufacturing industry including Analog Devices, Abbott, Garrett Motion, and Aryzta.
Clonbio Group
During last year’s Enterprise Ireland trade mission for St Patrick’s Day, the biggest announcement came from ClonBioGroup which owns and operates the world’s most advanced grain biorefinery.
ClonBio is planning a $500m cumulative investment in a formerly moth-balled biorefinery it acquired in Jefferson, Wisconsin in mid-2022.
It is understood that the Irish business will create 1,000 local jobs in Wisconsin.
Combilift
Combilift CEO Martin McVicar
27-year-old Monaghan business Combilift is the largest global manufacturer of multi-directional forklifts.
As well as rapidly expanding in Asia, the business has solid interests in the US and two years ago revealed it was renewing its partnership with well-known US Midwest dealership Atlas Toyota Material Handling.
Evercam
Evercam in recent years secured a partnership with American Foods Group to monitor the construction of their new $800 million facility in Wright City, Missouri.
The business, which helps construction firms to collect, integrate and engage with project data, has more than 1,000 projects live in 1,000 countries worldwide, supporting $400bn worth of construction projects.
Fexillon
Irish building digitalisation player Fexillon last year revealed plans to triple its US workforce to 30 and grow US revenues to $10m through an expansion into the US.
Fexillon will establish its US operations within the Charleston Digital Corridor in South Carolina, a community-driven initiative aimed at nurturing Charleston’s burgeoning tech economy.
The company has unveiled ambitious revenue projections for the US market targeting an impressive $10m by 2026.
FlowForma
Irish enterprise software player FlowForma two years ago increased its presence in the US with the opening of a new office in New York and a new customer Trident General Contracting.
Focusing on the construction, engineering, healthcare and financial services sectors, the company allows clients to digitise, transform and automate complex business processes without software code, saving time, budget and roll-out resources.
Glanbia
Global nutrition company Glanbia has more than 20 production facilities and several innovation centres across the US in locations including Chicago, Idaho, Michigan, and California.
Employing 4,000 people in the US, Glanbia generates a significant proportion of its $3.8bn revenue in US dollars and bolstered its U.S. presence with the $300m acquisition of Flavor Producers in 2024, the company’s largest ever ingredients acquisition.
Glen Dimplex
Glen Dimplex, a global leader in electrical heating, precision cooling and appliances, operates 2 plants in the US in Michigan and Washington.
Employing circa 500 in the US, the company has invested heavily in its American operations and strengthens its US footprint by sourcing 70% of its local materials in the USA and expanding through strategic acquisitions.
Getvisibility
Scaling Cork business Getvisibility in recent years located a new office in San Francisco to bolster its growing US customer base.
Getvisibility was founded by Mark Brosnan and Ronan Murphy. It also works with several Fortune 500 companies and governments across Europe and the US.
The business has already built a strong US customer base by securing major contracts with large enterprises across highly regulated industries such as finance, defence, pharma, biotech, automotive and manufacturing.
Irish energy software business GridBeyond accelerated its expansion into the US market two years ago when it acquired Veritone’s AI-based energy business and effectively doubling GridBeyond’s presence in North America.
Last October GridBeyond was awarded a contract worth $7.8m to work on the Advanced Reliability and Resiliency Operations for Wind and Solar (ARROWS) R&D project that funded by the US Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
HoloToyz
Irish digital toy business HoloToyz recently revealed how it has landed a major deal with global toy maker Mattel.
The partnership will bring iconic brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels to life through augmented reality (AR).
HoloToyz is an award-winning augmented reality toy company founded by husband-and-wife duo Kate Scott and Declan Fahy from Co Meath.
Last year the business also forged a deal with Abacus Brands which will see Abacus oversee all US distribution channels for HoloToyz’s innovative range of products, which includes children’s jigsaw puzzles, magnetic cubes, books, temporary tattoos, stickers, and wall decals that come to life in 3D animation through augmented reality (AR), providing children with a captivating and child-safe exploration of animation and technology.
ID-Pal
Last year it emerged that ID-Pal, a leading provider of identity verification and customer onboarding solutions, has secured a partnership with iDriveSale rolling out across Ferrari dealerships in the US and Australasia. iDriveSale is a Salesforce Partner specialising in CRM for the Luxury Automotive space.
ID-Pal’s identity verification capability will enable Ferrari dealerships to verify their clients’ identity remotely as well as on the forecourts prior to purchasing their new vehicle. Salesforce has been a key platform and driver of growth for ID-Pal in the US since launching last year and this partnership is another big milestone as part of their expansion strategy.
ID-Pal was awarded the Best Know Your Customer (KYC) Solution at the RegTech Insight Awards USA 2023.
Keeper Solutions
Keeper Solutions is a market-leading software development partner for innovative fintech, cleantech and medtech firms.
Headquartered in Limerick, Keeper Solutions launched in the US after already securing a number of US customers, one of which is Momnt, based in the Metro Atlanta area.
Lansil Global
Last year Irish global supply chain business Lansil Global revealed plans to create 30 new jobs at a new 32,000 sq ft warehouse in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
First founded in 2015 by Cork native Alan Coughlan, Lansil Global is an end-to-end supply chain service.
The international enterprise, which was born whilst Alan was living in China, supplies everything from cosmetics, electronics, toys, apparel, household and DIY items to e-commerce companies across Facebook, Amazon and Shopify. It also offers China and US sourcing, manufacturing, quality checks and order fulfilment.
The global company which has offices in Shenzhen, China, Nevada, US, Dubai, UAE and now, Pennsylvania, had by last year generated revenues of $40m.
Employing 100 people, Lansil Global’s growth has seen it bolster international trade through delivering over 15m packages globally.
Kerry Group
Kerry Group in recent years has invested $125m in a new world-class food manufacturing facility in Rome, Georgia.
North America is Kerry Group’s largest market. The Georgia facility provides Kerry Group with integrated taste and nutrition solutions to help their customers meet growing consumer demand in the poultry, seafood and alternative protein markets.
Kerry Group operates 70 sites (48 manufacturing) across states like Georgia, Texas, and Missouri, employs more than 6,000 people, spends $1.5bn yearly on US raw materials, and partners with major US food firms.
Kingspan
Kingspan CEO Gene Murtagh
Kingspan, a global leader in insulation and building solutions, with 32 US sites across 17 states, plans a $750m investment, including three new manufacturing sites this year.
The company employs more than 2,500 people in the US, adding 500 jobs last year across five new sites in Virginia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Illinois.
Manna
In 2023 Irish drone delivery business Manna revealed its launch in the US and a strategic investment from Coca-Cola.
Manna conducted trials in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area in partnership with multinational real estate development company Hillwood, to initially offer drone delivery to a select number of Hillwood’s residential developments.
This move comes in tandem with a strategic investment in Manna from Coca-Cola HBC, strategic bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company. Through its Ventures arm, Coca-Cola HBC, collaborates with disruptive start-ups that have synergies with its business ambitions in the areas of last mile, vending, coffee technology and sustainability.
Output Sports
UCD spin-out Output Sports recently closed a $4.8m (€4.6m) pre-A funding round as it accelerates its US expansion.
Output Sports was co-founded in 2020 by Dr Martin O’Reilly, Dr Darragh Whelan, Julian Eberle and Professor Brian Caulfield, and currently provides more than 800 sports organisations, including over half of all English Premier League clubs, with the insights needed to make more informed, data-backed decisions to improve athletic performance.
The company currently works with professional US sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS and the WNBA, and aims to support even more organisations from professional leagues to high school and college sports programs.
The company’s VBT technology enables strength and conditioning coaches, sport scientists and rehab professionals to capture and analyse athletic data using a single wearable sensor system.
In 2024, Output Sport’s technology captured 30m measurements from athletes around the globe, and it also played a pivotal role in multiple medal-winning performances at the 2024 Olympic Games including Daniel Wiffen’s record-breaking gold in swimming for Ireland and China’s Zheng Qinwen’s historic tennis gold. Output Sports has worked with multiple championship-winning teams across the US major sports leagues and the national teams in soccer and rugby sevens.
Output Sports recently established a new office in Boston, Massachusetts and co-founder and CEO, Dr. Martin O’Reilly has relocated from Ireland to Boston to further build Output’s U.S. growth team with 5 new U.S. hires to date.
Ornua
Ornua is a leader in dairy ingredients and consumer brands with 50+ years of investment in the US.
Owner of Kerrygold, the number 2 butter brand in the US. Ornua Ingredients North America employs more than 700 people in rural Wisconsin and Minnesota, supports over 900 indirect jobs, and buys $240m in US dairy annually (40% Wisconsin, 40% Minnesota, 20% California, Idaho, and Texas) plus $110m in goods/services.
RelateCare
Leading patient engagement solutions provider RelateCare opened two years ago opened a Patient Coordination Centre, which will help to create 255 roles within three years, adding to their existing employment of 1,400 people across Ireland and the United States.
The business has operations in Clevland, Ohio, and Little Rock, Arizona.
Showoff
Wicklow-headquartered Showoff, a leading Irish data solutions company transforming digital strategies for organisations across the United States, expanded into the US two years ago with the announcement new partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers.
This will enable the union to automate the payment renewal of membership fees across their Midwest unions.
Sisu Clinic
Pat Phelan’s aesthetic medicine business Sisu Clinic has been steadily growing its footprint in the US in the past two years, with clinics opening in Miami, Florida, New York and Texas.
Sisu was created in 2018 in collaboration between veteran tech start-up entrepreneur and CEO Pat Phelan, with brothers Dr James Cotter and Dr Brian Cotter.
While the business’s network of shops in Ireland, the UK and the US offer a comprehensive range of innovative, non-surgical ‘Tweakments’ designed to refresh and restore the skin’s natural beauty, Sisu Clinic also has an online store for at-home skincare and teeth whitening treatments.
Sportskey
Sportskey, an innovative Irish SportsTech enterprise, last year announced its new US Midwest presence, based in Chicago.
SportsKey develops easy to use sports facility management, scheduling, and online booking software providing clients with increased revenue and key usage insights. SportsKey works with sports facilities in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and US to transform the way they manage their facilities including key MLS professional soccer club, Chicago Fire.
SWOOP
Last year SWOOP, in partnership with Sage and The BOSS network unveiled a new training and mentorship program, Pathways to Success, designed to support Black women entrepreneurs in Atlanta.
Additionally, Swoop has formed a partnership with D1 Sports Training Franchise Group. The partnership will provide training for lower school and college athletes. Headquartered in Nashville, this training provides access to finance for their franchisees to assist the growth of D1 across the US.
SymPhysis Medical
SymPhysis Medical is strengthening its management team ahead the US launch of its medical device for addressing the distressing condition of fluid in the chest in cancer patients.
With clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) targeted by 2026, SymPhysis Medical aims to launch its device within the next 18 months and to reach €40m in revenue by 2030.
Founded by CEO Tim Jones and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Michelle Tierney, SymPhysis Medical has developed a device Releaze, which can be used by cancer patients who are receiving palliative care to relieve the symptoms of fluid in the chest. These symptoms include shortness of breath, discomfort and pain.
The condition, experienced by approximately 50% of late-stage cancer patients, limits movements and activities, while necessitating regular medical appointments at a time when many wish to be at home and spending time with loved ones.
SymPhysis’ founders expect their device’s launch in the US to mark a transformation in the care, and quality of care, of these patients.
Version 1
A leader in digital transformation, Version 1 last year announced it will be focusing on the US market, building on its operations currently centered around capital markets and financial services.
This comes in response to growing demand from its global base of strategic customers, many of which are located in the US such as CitiGroup, AON, JP Morgan Chase and Co., to deliver major business transformation programs through digital, data and cloud solutions, next generation managed services and specialist AI collaboration.
The company already has a team in place in New York, and has recently appointed Nicholas McFadden as Regional Director, USA. Plans are in place to open a new office in the area later this year and drive recruitment for a variety of roles, including key senior positions.
Vertigenius
Trinity College Dublin spin-out Vertigenius last year raised €2.1m in seed funding that will result in the creation of 10 new jobs and power the firm’s expansion to the US and UK.
Founded by vestibular expert Dr Dara Meldrum, Vertigenius aims to improve the delivery of care to people suffering from vertigo.
The company has developed a wearable head sensor and software that allows therapists to prescribe and track exercises carried out by patients, monitor patient symptoms and therefore gain insights into the effectiveness of treatments.
ZeroRisk
Dublin software business ZeroRisk recently raised $4m (€3.8m) in a funding round led by Elkstone.
ZeroRisk will use the funding to expand its US presence where it serves a number of Tier 1 acquiring banks.
Founded in 2023 to redefine compliance and cybersecurity, ZeroRisk transforms end-to-end merchant management for leading financial institutions across the globe.
Its technology streamlines payment card industry compliance and delivers real-time data insights for acquiring banks, payment service providers, digital sellers, and other financial institutions to manage complex portfolios.
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