First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met with President Masami Yamamoto of Fujitsu Limited during their visit to Japan. PICTURE: KEVLIN BOYES/PRESSEYE

A GLOBAL IT company has announced that it is to create 192 new jobs in the North West.

It is part of a £12m investment by Japanese firm Fujitsu at its Timber Quay operation in Londonderry.

There will be 177 full-time positions and 15 business apprenticeships. It is hoped recruitment will start in the new year.

The jobs will include posts in administration, finance and human resources at Timber Quay which already employs 174 people.

The announcement was made at a visit to the Timber Quay offices on Tuesday by Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.

Fujitsu has been in Northern Ireland since 1978.

Greg McDaid, the company’s NI managing director said: “Already we estimate that 99% of the Northern Ireland population will come into contact with our work.

“This important investment announcement confirms Fujitsu’s commitment to the Northern Ireland economy and reinforces our position as a leading IT services supplier to the public and private sectors throughout these islands.

“We offer a full range of innovative technology products, solutions and services to drive efficiencies, growth and responsible business practices, creating value for both customers and wider society.”

The jobs announcement comes less than a few days after First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy first minister Martin McGuinness returned from Japan.

They met with senior political and business figures, including leading executives of Fujitsu.

It is believed their trip helped seal the deal on bringing the jobs to Northern Ireland and not another party of the UK.