SOPA Images / Getty ImagesA software company is to create 23 jobs through a £1.4 million investment in a new research and development (R&D) center in Londonderry.
Cambridge-based Aveva, which first opened an office in Derry in 2015, said the investment would double its workforce in the North West.
The company said the expansion would create its second R&D center and focus on developing its products.
This includes software to manage vast data resources for customers, and the new site will enable the company to meet growing demand.
‘Wealth of talent available in the North West’
Iju Raj, executive vice-president of R&D, said they decided to expand within Northern Ireland due to its strong talent pool, associated links with local universities and successful placement and graduate programmes.
“Our decision to expand in Derry is testament to the wealth of talent available in the North West and the support, advice and guidance we have received from Invest NI,” he said.
“This R&D center will be critical to developing products that keep us at the forefront of technological progress, helping us maintain our competitive position in the global marketplace.”
Brendan McGuigan, director of advanced manufacturing and engineering at Invest NI, welcomed the announcement.
“This project is an exciting addition to Northern Ireland’s thriving software sector,” he said.
“By combining our local talent pool with the support of Invest NI, Aveva has chosen Derry as the strategic location for its second UK R&D hub, securing a bright future for the company’s operations here.”
DfEDuring a visit to Aveva’s premises at the Innovation Center in Derry, Economy Minister Conor Murphy welcomed what he said was “a significant investment” in the North West.
“This strategic expansion by Aveva is a strong demonstration of its confidence in the skilled workforce in the Northwest,” he said.
“Aveva’s long-term investment in Derry strengthens the region’s potential as a leading technology and innovation center and I am confident that this investment will deliver lasting benefits to both the local economy.”
Meanwhile, leading Irish IT company Ergo will create 40 jobs in Belfast over the next three years.
They will be based in the company’s new offices in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
Economy Minister Conor Murphy said the £4.5 million investment would contribute almost £2.4 million annually to the local economy.
Erge currently employs 700 staff in Ireland, Great Britain, the United States, Romania and New Zealand.
