Irish software automation company, ControlSoft Automation Systems, has announced the establishment of a new software engineering, mechanical, and electrical hub in East Belfast, creating 27 new jobs.

Headquartered in Dundalk, ControlSoft specialises in providing turnkey solutions for industrial processes across various high-technology industries.

Following a meeting with the company at its new premises, the Minister emphasised the significance of this investment: "Growing and developing our software sector is a key priority of mine. ControlSoft Automation Systems has chosen to set up its hub here based on our strengths in a range of engineering disciplines. These are high quality jobs being created, with average salaries of £51k. Seven of the new positions will be available for graduates, providing a pathway into employment for those just starting out on their career."

The 27 new positions, which include mechanical and electrical design engineering, as well as software and automation engineers, are expected to be created over the next three years. Dermot Carragher, Managing Director and co-founder of ControlSoft Automation Systems, highlighted the strategic importance of the Belfast hub for the company's ambitious growth plans: "Over the next five years we aim to extend our market leading position in control systems for high technology projects in Semiconductor Manufacturing, AI and Data Centres by quadrupling our employees and turnover. Our new office in Belfast will be pivotal to this with the team servicing current and future clients in GB. The presence of a highly skilled workforce, excellent universities and the strong tech and business environment in Northern Ireland made it a very easy decision to invest in the region."

Invest Northern Ireland played a crucial role in securing the investment, offering financial assistance for the new jobs and facilitating meetings with key stakeholders. These included The Institute of Electronics, Communications and Technology, Centre for Secure Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, and Digital Catapult, all of which helped to showcase Northern Ireland's strengths in software engineering and technology.

Elaine Curran, Director of Trade and Investment at Invest NI, added: "Our teams in both Dublin and Belfast ensured that ControlSoft met with representatives from our universities and industry to find out what Northern Ireland has to offer. We are delighted that ControlSoft has decided to invest here, and we will continue to work with the company to support its growth. Invest NI's Business Strategy sets targets for inward investment focused on priority sectors that will create high-value jobs. ControlSoft is a good example of the kind of innovative company that we are working hard to attract to help us build a prosperous economy."