AMERICAN packaging giant Bemis is to set up a European business services centre in Derry, creating 95 jobs by 2021.
The Wisconsin-based firm already has an established healthcare packaging manufacturing facility in Campsie, employing more than 250 staff (the company was previous known as Perfecseal).
But it confirmed that it plans to establish a new base to support its European operations, and it will be recruiting for finance and IT personnel, and this could extend to other functions in the future.
Bemis, founded in 1858 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, is a major supplier of flexible and rigid plastic packaging for food, consumer products, medical, and pharmaceutical companies around the globe.
Invest NI has offered £695,000 of funding to help Bemis with recruitment and a pre-employment training programme, based at the North West Regional College, which which will provide the company with a pool of business ready candidates.
The agency's chief executive Alastair Hamilton said: “Bemis already makes a valuable contribution to Northern Ireland’s vibrant life sciences industry, and this investment to establish its European business services centre here is a significant coup for Londonderry.
“A number of other locations were considered for this project, but as a result of the collaborative efforts of Invest NI and Derry City & Strabane District Council, we successfully pitched the city as an attractive investment location."
He added: “The new jobs will create valuable employment opportunities for graduates in the north west across a range of business functions.”
Bemis' vice president of global business services Marty Scaminaci said: “Establishing our European business services centre in Londonderry is a strategic investment to help drive efficiencies and standardise our processes.
"We have successfully operated a manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland since 1996, and know it to be a great location to do business.
“The availability of skilled graduates in the area, engagement of local council representatives, and the support offered from Invest NI were all critical factors in our decision to locate this centre in Northern Ireland.
“Recruitment for the new roles has begun and will continue over the next couple of years.”
Individuals interested in employment opportunities are encouraged to submit their CV to gbsjobs@bemis.com
