A listed US company which makes semi-conductors for the electric car market has opened a new IT hub in Belfast, creating 40 jobs.
Wolfspeed specialises in silicon carbide, a key component in the manufacture of electric vehicles, renewable energy storage and a range of other sectors and has chosen to set up in Northern Ireland after being encouraged by another inward investor.
It is setting up a Global Capabilities Centre and will be filling roles in IT operations, as well as automation engineering and data analytics which will help the company’s “digital transformation to high-tech manufacturing”.
Recruitment is already underway and the new roles will generate annual salaries totalling £1.8 million once in place by 2025.
David Costar, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Wolfspeed, said the new base is a key part of the company’s growth strategy.
“The new Global Capability Centre will be a strategic shared services hub for Wolfspeed’s IT organisation and help drive innovation and expansion of our global digital capabilities into Europe,” he said. “The financial support from Invest Northern Ireland, high quality of talent, infrastructure, and academic expertise, and the positive experiences of other companies convinced us this was the right location for a strategic investment.”
Invest Northern Ireland has offered financial assistance of approximately £300,000 toward the creation of the new centre.
Steve Harper, Executive Director, International Business, Invest NI said Wolfspeed initially approached the agency after hearing directly from another inward investor about their positive experiences in Northern Ireland.
“This shows how important our diaspora network is to help promote Northern Ireland as an investment location. Creating about 40 highly-skilled jobs, with excellent salaries, the new Centre will support the development of new systems and manage the company’s global IT applications and infrastructure.
“Whilst the Global Capability Centre will be in Belfast, the company will have hybrid home/office roles for applicants from all parts of Northern Ireland. The company also plans to work with our colleges and universities to support its talent pipeline and culture of innovation.”
