A GLOBAL software firm officially opened its Belfast offices yesterday with confirmation that it is more than half way to filling its pledge of 200 jobs for the city.
Announcing 10 new posts at its premises in the Northern Ireland Science Park, KANA boss Mark Duffell said the company was wholly committed to growing its operation in Northern Ireland.
The California-based company which merged with Belfast-based Lagan Technologies two years ago, has since grown its employee count here by almost 20 per cent to 108.
Following multiple acquisitions which have seen the group more than double in size over that period, recruitment is currently under way to fill a further ten new positions, including for the first time, .NET developers in addition to the core Java skills-based positions for which KANA is renowned
Mr Duffell, who was in Belfast for the opening ceremony, said the new premises are proof of long-term commitment to growing the company’s Belfast and European business.
“We are dedicated to building the innovative solutions that deliver great customer experiences.
“I am very pleased to continue the fantastic work of Lagan Technologies, which has built a huge reputation in this field in the public sector and which provides a perfect balance to KANA’s private sector business portfolio.
“The Lagan product brand of public sector customer relationship management software will continue to develop – it is acknowledged around the world and KANA looks forward to building further on this very strong brand.”
The group now employs 700 people across a number of development centres and sites in Belfast, Glasgow, California, Jakarta and the Netherlands.
KANA has acquired four businesses during the last two years including the Netherlands-based Kahuna, Overtone and Trinicom as well as Ciboodle in Glasgow.
Officiating at the opening, Invest Northern Ireland chairman Mark Ennis, said the IT sector continued to be a priority sector for the NI Executive and for Invest NI, as the province strives to rebuild and rebalance its economy.
“Work continues to ensure that Northern Ireland remains an attractive investment location, not least in the area of skills development through the Department of Employment and Learning’s Assured Skills Programme,” he said.
“Close collaboration between business and education providers is also ensuring that we have a ready supply of graduates with the right skills to meet employers’ needs.
“This new facility reinforces Kana’s commitment to Northern Ireland and it is a privilege for me to help Kana mark the next phase of its development in Belfast.”
Belfast-based KANA Chief Financial Officer Jeff Wylie said KANA and Lagan had proved a natural fit.
“KANA focuses on delivering excellent customer experiences predominantly in the private sector, whereas Lagan’s strength is its in-depth knowledge of the public sector,” he said.
“Together we now deliver technology offerings, services and support that help today’s most progressive organisations meet the needs of their customers.”