US Firm Creates 71 Belfast Jobs

A US software company is to create 71 new jobs in Belfast.

Vello Systems, Inc., which is based in Menlo Park, California, develops highly innovative technology which is used, primarily by the Large Enterprise sector, to provide solutions for data centre networking.

Of the 71 positions, more than half will be software engineers working on R&D activities. The remainder will carry out a range of marketing, customer service and business development activities.

Making the announcement, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "Vello is a newly established, highly dynamic company which is working at the cutting edge of networking technology. Once all the jobs are in place, they will generate over £2.4 million annually in salaries which is yet another important and welcome boost to the local economy.

"Vello was identified as a potential source of new investment by Invest Northern Ireland over a year ago and I am pleased to say that the team was able to work closely with senior management to secure this investment, despite strong competition from other European locations."

Karl May from Vello added: "We decided to visit Belfast last year and were greatly impressed, not just with the infrastructure, talent pool and strong R&D base, but also with the genuine support and financial incentive offered by Invest NI.

"Our client base already includes some highly influential financial services companies which demand only the most advanced and effective technology available.

"Northern Ireland will allow us to capitalise on the opportunities for our products in that sector and provides us with a location close to target markets in Europe."

Invest NI has provided Vello with £710k of support.

(JP/CD)