Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) has announced the opening of a new Research and Development Centre in Cork, Ireland, a strategic move expected to create 200 highly skilled jobs. This new facility will focus on developing software for the company’s extensive land mobile radio (LMR) portfolio, with potential future expansion into other technological areas.

Motorola Solutions’ commitment to innovation is underscored by its significant investment in research and development. Over the past decade, the company has invested more than $12 billion in R&D and acquisitions, maintaining a sharp focus on safety and security technologies. LMR systems, known for their reliability and security, are a critical part of this focus. These systems are essential for public safety communications, capable of operating in the most challenging conditions and now being modernized with broadband and advanced data applications.

Greg Brown, Chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, highlighted the enduring value of LMR technology, stating, “Decade after decade, the durability of our mission-critical LMR technology helps protect those who protect us all. Our new centre in Cork will contribute to advancing our future vision for LMR, while building upon the collective impact of our more than 20,000 employees who are innovating what’s next for our customers around the world.”

The establishment of the new R&D Centre is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, reflecting a strong partnership aimed at fostering technological innovation. U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Claire D. Cronin, emphasized the significance of this development, noting that it marks a considerable step forward in Motorola Solutions’ commitment to Ireland and expands its innovation footprint globally.

Motorola Solutions’ choice of Cork for its new R&D hub is a testament to the city’s vibrant technology ecosystem and the skilled talent available in the region. Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Peter Burke TD, expressed enthusiasm about the investment: “It’s fantastic news that Motorola Solutions has chosen Cork City for their new global R&D Centre. Regional investment is a priority for the Government, and the creation of 200 highly skilled jobs in R&D is a significant boost for the region.”

The new Cork facility will join Motorola Solutions’ extensive network of operations that include communications, video security, access control, artificial intelligence, and command center technologies. This expansion is part of the company’s broader effort to address the increasingly complex safety and security challenges worldwide.

Motorola Solutions has a rich history of innovation, from producing the first car radio to playing a critical role in the Apollo missions, and more recently, introducing the APX NEXT smart radio that integrates broadband applications with traditional two-way radio capabilities. In 2023 alone, Motorola Solutions invested over $850 million in R&D, enabling its employees to create cutting-edge solutions that are essential in enhancing public safety and security.

The strategic expansion of Motorola Solutions into Cork not only enhances its capacity for innovation but also solidifies its commitment to developing technologies that ensure public safety. This move is likely to set a precedent for future technological advancements in the communication and security sectors, providing Motorola Solutions with a competitive edge in the global market.

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