Houston Precision Engineering develops R&D facility with help from NWRC and InterTradeIreland

By Aoife Curran

Letterkenny-based company Houston Precision Engineering has established a new R&D facility with support from North West Regional College’s (NWRC) Business Support Centre (BSC) and InterTradeIreland’s Innovation Boost programme.

Funded by InterTradeIreland, the cross-border collaboration project between Houston Precision Engineering, graduate, Noumaan Shariff Gani, and NWRC Engineering Technical Consultant, Stephen Smith, saw the implementation and embedding of 3D CAD capabilities within the company combined with the establishment of an R&D facility within the company.

NWRC Engineering Technical Consultant, Stephen Smith, said: ‘’InterTradeIreland Innovation Boost Consultant, Niall O’Somachain, contacted us about an innovative project with Houston Engineering. We contacted Martin Houston from Houston Precision Engineering and began discussing the project, which led to us submitting an application. Shortly after we received the news that we were successful in our application, the role was advertised, and we gained an excellent candidate in Noumaan who took the challenges of the role head on. With the support of the NWRC and Houston Engineering, Noumaan has successfully achieved the project aims.’’

Martin Houston, Owner of Houston Precision Engineering added: ‘’Through the InterTradeIreland Innovation Boost programme and with the support of North West Regional College, we introduced a 3D design capability into the company coupled with a R&D facility. This has allowed us to take control of our design work and allowed us to progress designs for new products. The college has also facilitated us with providing independent testing of our new product.”

Janet Toal, Operations Manager of Innovation Programmes at InterTradeIreland, commented: “Innovation is fundamental for every business and we are delighted to have facilitated the cross-border collaboration between NWRC and Houston Precision Engineering through Innovation Boost. At InterTradeIreland we support businesses across the island who are ready to implement change through collaborative sharing of expertise and skills. The programme is open to applications and I would encourage any small business that may be interested to get in touch.”

For more information about Houston Engineering visit https://www.houstonengineering.ie/ and for further details on how the BSC can help your business email businesssupport@nwrc.ac.uk or to find out more about the Innovation Boost programme see https://intertradeireland.com/innovation/innovation-boost