As part of the deal, the CEMs would take over the manufacture of Dell's range of computer products. Dell last week reported disappointing quarterly profits, which sent shares down more than 18pc. Traditionally, Dell was a leading player in lean manufacturing principles like Just In Time and World Class Manufacturing, with components arriving at the operation just as they were needed to assemble PCs. Dell established its first overseas manufacturing operation in Limerick in the early Nineties. This operation quickly became a model facility which further plants in Malaysia and Poland emulated. It has been a rocky number of years for the Texas-based computer company with founder Michael Dell stepping back into the role of CEO to save the company from further losses. In April, Dell said the company was focusing on a restructuring plan that would pursue a "US$3bn opportunity globally to drive productivity and efficiency." Part of the plan is a 10pc headcount reduction worldwide.