Vertiv shortlisted among top investment projects in Financial Times Awards

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, today congratulated local manufacturing company Vertiv on being shortlisted as one of the 10 most impactful operational small projects in Europe in the Financial Times Investment Impact Awards.

The Awards recognise the foreign direct investment (FDI) projects that have, or promise to have, the biggest transformative impact at a local and national level in Europe.

The Vertiv project was placed in the Top 10 Operational small projects (with committed and deployed investment below $50mn), while Seagate’s factory expansion also enjoyed success, placing third in the top 10 Announced mid-sized projects (with committed and deployed investment between $50mn and $500mn).

Vertiv have been working closely with Council and Invest NI since setting up its site in Campsie, creating around 200 skilled jobs, including 72 roles filled via Assured Skills Academies. The organisations provided tailored support with site identification, recruitment pathways, and introductions to local stakeholders. By combining local workforce initiatives with international supply chain management, Vertiv successfully brought the project into production while embedding itself into the North West industrial base.

Acknowledging the achievement, Mayor McHugh said: “This recognition is a tremendous endorsement of Vertiv’s commitment to innovation and excellence here in Derry and Strabane. To be shortlisted among the top operational projects in Europe highlights not only the scale of investment but the real and lasting impact it is having on our local economy.

“The creation of high-quality, skilled jobs and the strong partnership approach with Council and Invest NI demonstrates the confidence global companies have in our workforce and our region.”

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Council’s Director of Business and Culture, Stephen Gillespie, added: “Vertiv’s success reflects the strength of collaboration between industry, local government and our education and skills partners. From the outset, this project has focused on building long-term capacity in advanced manufacturing, particularly across mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines.

“The delivery of 72 roles through the Assured Skills Academies is a clear example of how targeted skills interventions can align talent with employer needs. We look forward to continuing to support Vertiv’s growth and to attracting further high-value investment into the district.”

Looking to the future Simon Killen, Senior Director with Vertiv, said: “This recognition is really about the people behind the project. We’re incredibly proud of the teams who have helped build Vertiv’s presence in the North West and of the skilled roles created locally as the site has grown.

“Working closely with Derry City and Strabane District Council and Invest NI has enabled us to develop strong recruitment and training pathways, including through the Assured Skills Academies, so people in the region can build long-term careers in advanced manufacturing.

“Looking ahead, we see significant opportunity to continue growing our operations in the region, further strengthening our capabilities, investing in skills, and creating additional high-value roles as Vertiv expands to support global demand.”