A Belfast software firm is to create 72 jobs after announcing a major expansion of its operation in the city.
Micro Focus UK Ltd will be taking on the employees in software support and sales, generating £2.25 million in salaries a year.
The expansion, which will more than double the company’s workforce in the city to 120, is being supported with and £864,000 grant from Invest NI.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster welcomed the announcement.
“As a global company, Micro Focus could have chosen to expand anywhere in the world,” she said.
“A combination of our talented, skilled people, Invest Northern Ireland support and the positive performance of the company’s existing Belfast facility, resulted in the decision by Micro Focus to expand here.
“This investment will see Micro Focus more than double its presence here, with a total of 120 people employed at its Belfast site by 2014.
“The 72 new software development and sales roles are a boost for our ICT sector and the local economy as they are high quality positions which will pay above the NI private sector average.
“As Enterprise Minister, this is exactly the type of investment that I will continue to work hard to secure so both our economy and local people can benefit.”
In 2009, Micro Focus UK Ltd acquired Borland Software which had a software development base in Belfast employing 48 people.
Paul Rodgers, group HR director at Micro Focus said: “We have been continually impressed with the performance of the Belfast operation as well as the support of Invest NI.
“At Micro Focus we pride ourselves on developing and supporting the most advanced enterprise software options available globally.
“We are confident that the skills available combined with a location which is close to many of our key European markets will play a key role in our future growth.”
PA