Vertiv: Engineering firm to create 200 jobs in Londonderry

Vertiv has operated in Ireland since 2021 when it bought E&I Engineering

A manufacturing company that makes equipment for data centres is creating about 200 jobs in Londonderry.

Vertiv is already a major employer in the north west with factories in County Donegal.

The group has operated in Ireland since 2021 when it bought E&I Engineering. E&I was founded by Derry-man Philip O'Doherty, who now has a senior role at Vertiv.

He said Derry was not the only location considered for the new investment.

Mr O'Doherty said the city came out on top due to "crucial" support from Invest NI.

Invest NI will fund an Assured Skills Academy, which will assist in filing 72 of the roles by providing skills training in electrical and mechanical installation.

The academy guarantees at least a job interview for people who complete the training.

Data centres are full of computer servers which are central to the operations of online businesses

Vertiv bought E&I because the electrical switchgear and power distribution systems it makes were complementary to its existing data centres services business.

Data centres are effectively warehouses full of computer servers, which are central to the operations of online businesses.

They need a large and constant supply of electricity to operate and cool the servers.

The company is already a major employer in the north west with factories in Donegal

They have been a growth area as they provide the physical infrastructure needed for services like social media and video streaming.

Vertiv's president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Karsten Winther, said there was still strong market demand mainly driven by AI and continued digitalisation.

He added that the new investment would support the company's global growth plans.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the jobs announcement "is hugely welcome".

The SDLP leader added that it "creates a range of opportunities for people in our city to obtain skilled and well-paid work in a growing company".