Software firm CGI to create 250 Glasgow jobs

Information technology giant CGI is to open a “centre of excellence” for open source software development that will create around 250 jobs in Scotland.
CGI specialises in open source software. Picture: ReutersCGI specialises in open source software. Picture: Reuters
CGI specialises in open source software. Picture: Reuters

The New York-listed company announced yesterday that it will establish the base, known as the Open Digital Services Centre, in Glasgow next year.

The facility will deliver open source software development services to CGI’s clients across the European public and commercial sectors.

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CGI said it expects to recruit around 250 staff within two to three years of the opening. The roles will range from highly-skilled technical and managerial staff to graduate and apprenticeship entry-level opportunities.

The firm has been persuaded to come to Scotland with help from Scottish Development International (SDI), including a grant to support the development of the centre and boost recruitment.

CGI’s UK president, Tim Gregory, said that the firm was also attracted by the availability of skilled staff.

“The two main reasons we selected Glasgow as the location for our new centre were the talent pool of highly-skilled professionals available in the area, and the support we received from the Scottish Government,” he said. “We are very excited about the future for this area of our business.”

CGI has clients in Scotland from industries as varied as oil and gas, financial services, energy and utilities and the public sector.

It already has offices in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, employing about 250 staff.

SDI and Scottish Enterprise worked with CGI for a year to ensure they chose to open the latest centre in Scotland.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “The move by CGI to create 250 skilled jobs is very positive and is yet another welcome boost for Scottish employment, reinforcing our position of out-performing the UK for securing inward investment.

“This is testament to both the skill of the Scottish workforce and the confidence international companies have in Scotland as a country to invest in.”