Artificial intelligence (AI) will be used to drive forward Ireland’s farm machinery manufacturing sector into the future was one of the messages from a site visit this week to a business which supplies most of the world's big tractor brands with hitches.

The evolving technology will be used to secure higher levels of manufacturing efficiency, design and product quality.

This is according to William Egenton, the managing director of Co. Meath-based Dromone Engineering.

He said: “We are currently gearing up to capture significantly higher quantities of data relating to every aspect of the business.

“AI can then be used to better analyse this information and then recommend the ways by which all our processes can be improved.

Meanwhile, computerisation and robotics are already at the heart of the manufacturing and design systems implemented at Dromone Engineering.

Computer-driven lasers cut many of the component parts used by the business while robotic jigs operate at the very heart of the assembly lines.

In fact, output from the jigs is a key determinant of how all the other processes within the factory are performing.

Dromone Engineering designs, manufactures and markets agricultural tractor pick-up hitch technology and construction excavator ‘quick coupler’ technologies.

Within the farming space, its customer base includes a selection of the world’s leading tractor manufacturers including Deutz, John Deere and Landini.

Dromone employs 125 people and last year generated a turnover of €25 million and has won multiple awards over the past five years alone.

80% of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) fit Dromone products on their lines.

The scope of the company’s manufacturing processes requires it to have an exceptionally high level of competence across a range of mechanical, hydraulic and electronic technologies.

Manufacturing highly specified engineered products to an extremely high standard is a hallmark of the business.

Rigorous testing procedures are at the very heart of these processes. Approximately 90% of Dromone’s output is destined for export.

The management team at the company is also committed to significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the businesses.

A case in point is the development of a ‘rewiring’ project which will see end-of-life hitches brought back to Dromone for repurposing.

“By taking this approach we will be able to extend the working life of our products," Egenton explained.

The managing director added that Dromone is a continuous professional development accredited company.

“The development of our people has been critical in developing leading-edge technology and securing business with blue chip customers around the world."