The announcement by Japanese IT firm Fujitsu that it is to create 192 jobs in Derry has been warmly welcomed.
One hundred and seventy-seven full-time positions and 15 businesses apprenticehips are to be created as part of a £12 million investment and will be located a the company’s existing premises at Timber Quay on Strand Road in the city.
The company already employs 174 staff in Derry where it set up in 2007.
The announcement was made at a visit to the Timber Quay offices today by Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and other stakeholders.
Greg McDaid, Fujitsu’s client managing director in Northern Ireland, said the jobs announcement confirmed the company’s commitment to the Northern Ireland economy and reinforced its position as a leading IT services supplier to the public and private sectors.
He added: “We offer a full range of innovative technology products, solutions and services to drive efficiencies, growth and responsible business practices, creating value for both customers and wider society.”
First Minister Peter Robinson said the investment would attract other companies to the city.
He added: “This is something the area has been crying out for. It’s the people that already work here that have set the precedence. This investment will attract other companies to the area.”
SDLP MP Mark Durkan said the jobs brought a much-needed boost to the North West economy.
He added: “It has been won in no small part because of the productivity and performance of the existing workforce. They deserve our thanks for earning these new jobs by proving our capacity to serve the business needs of a market leading international company.”
Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin said the investment would bolster the “positive atmosphere” created by Derry’s year as City of Culture.
She added: “Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson have just returned from Japan where among other business leaders they met with Fujitsu’s president Masami Yamamoto. I have no doubt that this meeting helped to cement this decision.”
Council praise for Fujitsu announcement
Mayor of Derry Cllr Martin Reilly said the “high quality jobs” were representative of the success and confidence the company had in Derry.
He added: “Fujitsu met key local partners on a number of occasions over the last year and were impressed by the positive outlook of the City of Culture and the city’s skills base and innovation.
“Derry City Council has a very good working relationship with the company and played an essential role in bringing about this announcement today.”
He concluded: “This is a really good news story for the city as our hugely successful City of Culture year draws to a close and we focus on the lasting legacy of the year and the positive developments in terms of investment and jobs for the city as a lasting legacy.”
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