Client & Project Overview

Element Six (E6) has been a cornerstone of advanced engineering and materials innovation in Shannon since 1961. As a global leader in synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide supermaterials, and a key part of the De Beers Group, their 22-acre operation continues to play a major role in Ireland’s high-tech manufacturing landscape.
Element Six’s advanced materials are utilised in various applications, including cutting, grinding, drilling, and polishing, as well as in optics, power transmission, water treatment, semiconductors, sensors, and quantum information processing.

Key Insights

PEMCAS collaborated with Element 6 on a fast-track manufacturing project delivered under a highly constrained programme. The project demanded rapid mobilisation, accelerated design development, and close coordination across architectural, structural, and building services disciplines.
To meet the programme requirements, PEMCAS delivered expedited Architectural & Structural and Mechanical & Electrical design packages, enabling early procurement and uninterrupted construction progress. A comprehensive Bill of Quantities was prepared to support rigorous cost control, providing transparency and ensuring value for money throughout the project lifecycle.
Given the operational nature of the facility, the design placed strong emphasis on future flexibility and scalability. PEMCAS developed a lightweight, free-standing secondary steel framework with integrated services containment, allowing manufacturing services—including compressed air, power, extraction, and communications—to be easily reconfigured as operational requirements evolved. This approach ensured that future process changes could be accommodated efficiently, without disruption to the building fabric or ongoing operations.
PEMCAS also provided on-site Project and Construction Management, maintaining a strong site presence to ensure effective coordination between contractors, timely resolution of technical queries, and consistent adherence to programme milestones.
Key infrastructure upgrades delivered as part of the project included a temperature-controlled laser processing room, installation of a chilled water system, and the provision of a new compressed air system to support specialist manufacturing activities.
The project was successfully completed on time and within budget, enabling the client to commence operations as planned and providing a robust, adaptable platform for future growth.