Seagate Technology Inc has stood firm despite the troubles in Northern Ireland and continues its commitment to the region with the expansion of its wafer fabrication facility in Springtown, where it will create up to 1,125 new jobs. The $240m expanded facility should be operational in December 1998, and forms part of Seagate’s Recording Heads group. Seagate says ultimately the 290,000 sq ft site will employ more than 2,200 people. The company is also discussing details of a strategic research program with Ireland’s Industrial Research & Technology Unit, to build on its existing research and development project with the unit.