£35m investment and 35 new R&D jobs at Seagate

Mr Durkan said: “This announcement is a huge vote of confidence in the Springtown plant and in the existing workforce there.

“These additional posts are exactly the sort of high-end technology jobs which we need to secure to develop and boost not only Seagate’s presence but the wider Derry economy.

“I can recall working with John Hume when he first brought Seagate Executives to the city more than 20 years ago and mobilised the case for their significant investment here.”

Mr Durkan said the plant has served the North West economy well, but also serves Seagate’s global market powerfully.

“It is clear from their International Executives that the Derry operation is a major asset to them not just in terms of productivity and quality but also in terms of product enhancement and development which is so crucial in their sector.

“We can thank John Hume for getting Seagate to Derry. We can thank Seagate for their investment and continued commitment. But we must also thank the workforce and local management who have driven this local success story which has seen the original investment and jobs topped up with more over the years.”