Commenting on the investment, Karsten Winther, President of Vertiv for the EMEA region, stated: “We are very pleased to make this investment, which will support our growth in the EMEA region and globally. It will now be easier for us to respond to the strong market demand for our infrastructure solutions, driven primarily by digitalization and the adoption of AI. Vertiv’s goal is to solve the biggest challenges currently facing data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial facilities through our portfolio of power, cooling, and IT infrastructure solutions. This new investment will greatly help us achieve that goal.”
Philip O’Doherty, Executive Director of Vertiv’s E+I business, added: “Derry wasn’t the only location we considered for these new facilities, but we chose it after seeing the high quality of the local workforce, the competitive cost environment, and how easily we were able to establish relationships and begin working with institutions and universities on our research and development plans.” Furthermore, the support from Invest NI was another crucial element in our decision to choose Northern Ireland.”
The Department for Economic Affairs’ Assured Skills Academies training program will support 72 of the jobs created by providing training in key skills in the areas of electrical and mechanical installation.
Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Economic Affairs, welcomed Vertiv's investment, commenting, "This announcement of new jobs by Vertiv is excellent news for the Northwest and reaffirms Northern Ireland's importance in the advanced manufacturing sector. We are confident that this will contribute to the continued development of our regional economy."
The Assured Skills Academies training program has a proven track record of equipping participants with the skills companies need to thrive and grow. Furthermore, participants who complete the program are guaranteed an interview for a position at Vertiv, putting them in an ideal position for future success.
Welcoming the investment, Mel Chittock, Interim CEO of Invest NI, said: “The investment summit held in September demonstrated Northern Ireland’s strength in innovation and technology across multiple sectors. Today’s announcement by Vertiv further enhances Northern Ireland’s appeal to international companies seeking an optimal location for growth.”
Invest NI is working to realize the Department for Economic Affairs' vision of creating a tenfold increase in the number of productive, innovation-driven, export-oriented economies in Northern Ireland, while creating more equitable opportunities forall our people through regional balance. This investment in advanced manufacturing in the priority North West region represents another step towards this goal.
Vertiv is actively recruiting to fill vacancies in several roles, including engineering positions. The company maintains a strong diversity and inclusion strategy and therefore encourages women to apply, with the aim of increasing the number of women in STEM careers at Vertiv. This opportunity will also be used to expand the successful apprenticeship program and recruit graduates into full-time, skilled roles.
