Indian technology giant HCL is to create 600 new jobs as part of a major expansion of its contact centres in Belfast and Armagh.
The announcement was made earlier today during a visit to India by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was attending the UK Trade and Investment India Business Awards in New Delhi, which was attended by the founder and CEO of HCL Shiv Nadar.
HCL provides software-led IT solutions, business process outsourcing and infrastructure management services. Earlier this year it acquired Armagh-based company Answercall Direct, safeguarding 140 jobs.
The expansion is supported by Invest Northern Ireland (NI) and will create at least 400 new jobs in Armagh with the balance of the jobs being allocated to Armagh or Belfast depending on operational requirements.
Nadar commented: “We invested in NI with our partners BT Plc in 2001 in an act of faith backing our instincts and strategy, and that of our partner. We are proud of what this operation has demonstrated not only for HCL but also for the entire NI and UK community in adding value locally by being part of a global strategy.”
HCL Enterprise is a leading global technology and IT business with annual revenues of US$2.5bn with IT products and services contributing to revenues of over US$1.2bn. Founded in 1976, the 29-year-old enterprise is one of India’s original IT garage start-ups. HCL’s workforce comprises nearly 30,000 professionals of diverse nationalities, who operate from 15 countries including 300 points of presence in India.
By John Kennedy
