Midland Steel hosts Toyota Lean Management experts at its Portlaoise headquarters

Midland Steel, the leading Irish force in steel reinforcement innovation, headquartered in Portlaoise, recently hosted over 150 business leaders and industry representatives for a landmark event, Driving Productivity and Efficiency – The Toyota Way, held at the company’s headquarters in Portlaoise.

In partnership with the Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing (ATIM) Cluster, the event brought global experts Paul Blahyj of Toyota Lean Management Centre; and Oliver Conger of British Rototherm Group to Portlaoise to share practical lessons in operational excellence. The Midland Steel facility was one of a number they visited.

The event was designed to guide organisations across a range of sectors in the adoption of proven lean strategies, as pioneered by Toyota. Central themes included empowering people, improving efficiency, and embedding continuous improvement practices.

Participants took part in Toyota-style GEMBA walks, an immersive experience where the cluster experts observed operations directly on the shop floor, engaged with teams, and identified best practice in real time. These sessions offered participants tangible insights into tackling rising costs, global pressures, and productivity challenges.

“The GEMBA walks and hands-on discussions are the type of practical, collaborative learning that manufacturing businesses need to stay competitive in today’s climate,” said Jonathan Jennings, Chief Commercial Officer, Midland Steel. “By bringing global  expertise to local production, with the collaborative sharing of knowledge, we can accelerate our continuous improvement journey together.”

The event forms part of the ATIM Cluster’s wider commitment to supporting Irish industry by fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and delivering innovative solutions to help companies adapt and thrive.

Founded in Mountmellick, Co. Laois, Midland Steel has grown into a leading international provider of steel reinforcement solutions, with operations across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. It is renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability and continues to shape the future of construction by delivering smarter, safer and more efficient reinforcements systems.

Midland Steel recently announced the launch of its newest breakthrough product, FasterFix Ready Mesh, a pre-engineered, site ready, reinforcement system designed specifically to speed up housing completions in line with the Government’s Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) initiative. FasterFix Ready Mesh is poised to play a vital role in delivering faster and more efficient builds.

Toyota Announced as Official Car Partner to The Camogie Association and GAA/GPA

Toyota Ireland has announced a new three-year partnership with The Camogie Association and GAA/GPA which sees Toyota become the Official Car Partner to these sporting organisations. The partnership is the latest in a long history of Toyota investing in and supporting Irish sport and athletes spanning Gaelic games, athletics, para-sport, rugby and cricket and at every level including men’s, women’s, grassroots, elite, able bodied and disability.

As part of the partnership, Dublin Camogie captain Aisling Maher and Galway footballer John Maher have been named as official Toyota ambassadors and will drive the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which combines innovative design, style, Toyota’s cutting-edge hybrid technology and with reduced carbon emissions, it offers a smooth, low-emission driving experience – the perfect companion for winding down after training or a hard-fought match.

Commenting on the announcement, Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland, said:

“Toyota has a proud history of supporting sport and athletes at both local and international levels. This new partnership is an investment in our national games and the inter-county players who are the heartbeat of the sport and role models for young children across the country. By supporting The Camogie Association, the GAA / GPA and our new ambassadors Aisling and John, we aim to deepen our connection with communities nationwide. Many of our Toyota dealerships already support their local GAA clubs, and this partnership builds on that grassroots commitment. It also reflects our belief in ‘Built for a Better World’ and by promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and supporting future generations through sport, we’re continuing our mission to improve lives and lead with purpose.”

 Brian Molloy, President of The Camogie Association, added:

“Having Toyota on board as a partner is a strong endorsement of the growing profile and significance of Camogie. We welcome Toyota’s support as we continue to develop and promote the game at every level.”

 Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Toyota as Official Car Partner. Toyota has supported the GAA for generations, and their continued commitment to Gaelic games is a testament to the strong bond they share with our communities. Their focus on sustainability and community mirrors our own values, and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring to Gaelic games across the country.”

 Commenting on the announcement, Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA:

“This partnership with Toyota represents a meaningful investment into the GPA and will strengthen our ability to support inter-county players the length and breadth of the country. It’s great to have a brand like Toyota who recognise the unique role GPA members, both male and female, play in Irish society, on board.”

Other Motoring news 

Toyota Unveils the e-collection

Toyota Ireland is delighted to present Part 1 of the e-collection, a groundbreaking lineup of sustainable concepts designed to enhance adaptable living and transform how we experience modern life.

In a world consumed by content streams and product launches, the e-collection is driven by a defiant commitment to functionality and is informed by Toyota’s brand mission – to deliver mobility for all. Taking the latest, most innovative technologies, the brand has to offer and creating solutions for future living, the concept lineup is based on the understanding that the lives of the future will be increasingly hybrid and hyper-connected.

The e-collection includes innovative ideas for working professionals, nature enthusiasts, fashionistas, modern families and music lovers everywhere. Each solution has been conceptualised in response to everyday challenges that Toyota predicts will impact the people of tomorrow: from a new generation of hybrid-nomad workers to a solution for those looking to stay informed while disconnecting from digital devices.

Each sustainable concept provides a solution you didn’t know you needed to one of life’s modern challenges. Craving a change of scene from the home office set up? Try the ThinkTent portable office and pitch up in nature without losing your connection. Considering a pet but not keen on commitment? Welcome ChirpM8 to your life, the first digital pet that actively looks after your mental health. Each of the six futuristic concepts sparks conversation about what’s possible when technology, design, and imagination collide.

The first 6 concepts available in the e-collection include:

ThinkTent

A bold, urban escape designed for remote workers craving fresh inspiration and a change of scenery. Spacious yet compact, sleek yet sturdy, this solar-powered wonder lets you pop up your workspace wherever you need it. Designed for city living (and thriving), it’s eco-friendly, multipurpose, and ready to meet the demands of modern work life.

ChirpM8

The first digital pet that actively looks after your mental health it entertains and interacts with you and provides bird sounds to relieve city stresses. This is your ultimate companion in feeling safe and confident in any city.

AdjusTable

A portable table that adapts its height, shape and size thanks to a modular, retractable structure – flexing as a dining table, desk, kids activity bench or coffee table.

DualGuitar

This is the world’s first guitar that powers your life as you play it. Every strum and riff generates clean energy through advanced technology, transforming your music into power for home devices.

AWD Sneakers

Multipurpose sneakers, for ultimate performance in all weather conditions. Whether you’re hitting a trail, sprinting though the rain, hiking a snowy mountain or just navigating city streets, these sneakers deliver unmatched traction, stability, and comfort – pushing you to reach your destination faster, no matter the conditions.

Notification Nails

A combination of beauty and technology. Each nail tip changes colour to signal different types of notifications, allowing users to stay connected without constantly checking their phones.

More concepts are due to drop on 12th December at 9am on toyotaecollection.com