Irish Firms Expand US Operations in New Trade Push
Operators in healthcare and engineering gain access to new international partners as Irish firms scale their U.S. presence.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Remote Work
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Fourteen Irish companies are expanding into the U.S. market following a trade mission to Texas and Southern California. The move targets growing American demand for engineering, power, and AI infrastructure services.
Why it matters
Rising U.S. demand for specialist construction and AI-integrated systems is driving new international partnerships and localized innovation investments. These expansions offer a signal for operators looking to capitalize on the ongoing build-out of high-tech and critical power infrastructure.
Fourteen companies announced expansion plans as part of an Enterprise Ireland delegation, contributing to a 2025 global export total of €6.62bn. This includes LPI Group's plan to create 250 jobs over five years and Madcraft's commitment to add 20 roles.
The players
Enterprise Ireland
The Irish government agency responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets.
LPI Group
A provider of specialized lightning protection, grounding, and surge protection systems.
Akara
A technology company specializing in sensor and AI analytics for healthcare environments.
The details
The expansion strategy centers on servicing U.S.-based projects, with firms like Akara deploying AI-driven sensor analytics across eight to nine hospitals. Meanwhile, ControlSoft is establishing an innovation center in Dundalk to support technical operations, and other firms like Kefron AP and Combilift are scaling their regional presence to meet specific infrastructure needs in Texas and beyond.
Timeline
2025: Enterprise Ireland companies generated €6.62bn in global exports.
October 21, 2026: Irish firms announced US expansion plans.
Next 12 to 18 months: Akara plans to deploy hospital sensor technology.
Next five years: LPI Group expects to create 250 jobs.
Market Landscape
These expansions follow the established economic pattern of the €2.1bn in Irish exports linked to data centre activity. The trade mission extends this trend by leveraging high-tech infrastructure expertise to secure long-term contracts in the U.S. market.
Operators should monitor the growing market for specialized power and AI infrastructure as international firms move to localize their service delivery. Assessing whether your current vendors are scaling to meet these infrastructure demands may identify new partnership or procurement opportunities.
The takeaway
The sustained demand for high-tech construction and healthcare AI infrastructure presents a clear entry point for firms capable of providing specialized engineering support. Monitor future project announcements from these 14 firms to identify potential subcontractor or supply chain integration opportunities.
Further reading
For broader insights on how international labor and service models are shifting, visit Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Plus.
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