Our September 2025 Business Briefing, will take place on Tuesday  Sep 09th 2025  starting at 09:30am (sharp) and is hosted in Alps Alpine, Millstreet, Map it:  ALPS Electric (Ireland) Ltd. , Clara Road, Mountleader, Millstreet, Co. Cork, P51 XC56

The business briefing discussion will be:

‘Japanese Innovation Culture, Sustaining Competitiveness at Alps Millstreet for four decades’

Registration is required to attend, use this link to register:   Alps Alpine – Sept 2025

 Spaces are limited and because of this, early registration would guarantee your attendance 

 

The Japanese company Alps Alpine was founded in 1948. It offers products and services in a wide range of markets such as automotive, consumer appliances, mobile devices, games and industrial equipment through their three business segments of Components, Sensor and Communication, and Mobility.

In addition, they are creating solutions in new fields, in particular IoT, through their in-house company, Data Solution Company.

The company’s corporate philosophy is ‘Alps Alpine innovates value for humans and society on a brighter planet’.

The Tokyo-headquartered company established the Alps Electric (Ireland) facility in 1988 in Millstreet, Co Cork and currently employs nearly 400 people. It is a leading Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) provider, delivering full lifecycle solutions for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). From design and engineering to production, supply chain management, and distribution, Alps help OEMs bring products to market efficiently.

We are delighted to have John Foley, MD Alps Electric EMS, Jerry O’Brien VP Business Development & the Alps team of senior managers speak with us on Sept. 09

 

John Foley, Managing Director, Alps Electric EMS

With a career that spans every corner of the electronics industry within the OEM and EMS world, John Foley brings decades of experience — and a deeply personal commitment — to his role as Managing Director of Alps Electric EMS. John’s journey through the business has been one of continuous evolution. From early roles in quality and production management to senior positions in operations and ultimately leadership, John has adapted, grown, and guided the business through every phase of its development. His previous roles as Quality Manager, Production Manager, Senior Operations Manager, and Senior Quality Manager reflect a career built on deep operational knowledge and strategic foresight. As the electronics industry has changed,

John has helped Alps Electric EMS evolve with it — always keeping pace with customer needs, emerging technologies, and global shifts. At the heart of John’s leadership style is a people-first mindset. As Managing Director, he takes a paternal approach to growing and developing both the company and the individuals within it. He believes that an EMS provider is only as strong as its people — and that by investing in skills, wellbeing, and a positive working culture, you create a team that’s ready to take on any challenge. John also recognises that change isn’t just inevitable — it’s essential. Whether adapting processes, reshaping services, or nurturing resilience in the workforce, he sees transformation as a vital part of staying relevant and sustainable in a fast-moving industry.

Beyond the factory floor, John is a passionate advocate for collaboration with the local community, academic institutions, and industry associations. He actively supports initiatives that create stronger links between education and employment, ensuring the next generation of engineers and technicians are equipped with the skills the sector needs. His involvement in local networks and industry bodies helps position Alps Electric EMS not just as a business, but as a committed member of Ireland’s electronics ecosystem.

 

Jerry O’Brien, Vice President of Business Development, Alps Electric EMS

With over 30 years’ experience driving innovation, commercialisation, and international growth, Jerry has led business development at Alps Electric EMS with a clear focus: delivering high-quality, vertically integrated EMS solutions that help customers consolidate supply chains, ensure traceability, and achieve sustainable success. Throughout his career, he have held senior executive roles across deep-tech sectors including semiconductors and life sciences.

Jerry has built and commercialised advanced technologies across global markets, from the US and Asia Pacific to Europe, combining strong technical insight with a practical, customer-first approach. His work has ranged from early semiconductor design and technical sales during the rise of mobile wireless technologies, to leading the development of patented medical diagnostic platforms for global healthcare markets. Today, at Alps Electric EMS, Jerry’s experience is helping customers navigate a fast-changing landscape where supply chain transparency, sustainability, and certainty is critical. By connecting innovative product solutions with efficient manufacturing, he plays a key role in strengthening customer partnerships and supporting Alps Electric EMS’s commitment to delivering “right first time, on time, every time”.

We would like to thank John, Jerry and the Alps Electric EMS team for taking the time from their busy schedule to speak with us and for hosting the business briefing at Alps Alpine, Millstreet.