In 2006, Tyco announced plans to create a centre of technical excellence in Belfast - supported by Invest Northern Ireland - which would increase the competitiveness of its product engineering and design functions. CEM systems, a part of Tyco International, and Invest NI have been partners for many years and their collaboration has helped Tyco build a strong foundation of technical capabilities in Northern Ireland.

Construction of the Centre of Excellence was completed earlier this month. The new facility is now fully operational and fulfilling technology and product development objectives for Tyco's global access control and video systems companies, including CEM, American Dynamics, Software House, and Kantech.

Mark VanDover, president of Electronic Security Products, was on hand to officially open the new centre. "This new centre has consolidated our capabilities in Northern Ireland, bringing together core parts of the electronic security business in a modern, purpose-built property, which includes a specially designed R&D and product engineering facility," he said.

"Invest NI support has been instrumental in growing our presence in NI and we now have almost 200 employees based here," VanDover continued. "We remain impressed with the wealth of engineering talent that exists locally. By channeling this talent into core R&D activities in our new Northern Ireland base, Tyco is maintaining global competitiveness and a reputation for world-leading technology, particularly in the fast-moving area of Digital Internet Protocol and its application in the video surveillance and access control markets."

Invest NI provided GBP 1.75M of support towards the 2006 investment. Invest NI Chairman Stephen Kingon said: "As an international, blue chip company, Tyco continues to boost the local knowledge infrastructure with its focus on the research and development of innovative new products for global markets."

"It is encouraging to see that Tyco's plans have continued on target despite the global economic downturn. Today's official opening reaffirms Tyco's commitment to Northern Ireland and is a strong endorsement of our skills base and cost competitiveness."