Fujitsu, the Japanese chip and PC giant, is to sell its manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland for an undisclosed sum to TriVirix International, an American-owned medical and biotech equipment manufacturer.

The Japanese group said the deal would allow for the "seamless transfer" of the 61 staff at Fujitsu's Springvale plant in west Belfast to the US company.

Fujitsu has been involved in a wide review of its manufacturing operations in Northern Ireland. Trade unions had previously warned that it was likely to lead to the closure of one of its sites in Belfast or Antrim.

The group currently employs around 1,000 people in the North. The majority, 450 people, are employed at its ICL division while a further 240 people are employed at its telecommunications centre in Belfast.

Mr Andy Stevenson, Fujitsu's general manager of products and technology, said that under the terms of a heads of agreement with TriVirix, the American company would acquire its Springvale plant and equipment next month.

Mr Stevenson said: "The downturn in the telecommunications industry and the resulting global review by Fujitsu has put the future of our Springvale plant in doubt in recent months. This innovative solution meets TriVirix's needs as well as saving the jobs at Springvale."

Fujitsu said its other two remaining facilities in the North, at Antrim and Lanyon Place in Belfast, would not be affected by the TriVirix deal and would remain in operation.

The North's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey said the sale of Fujitsu's Springvale facility to the American company was a positive outcome in the current economic climate.

"Whilst fully understanding the economic situation that has led to the decision by Fujitsu, it is clearly disappointing that they have not been able to retain their presence in Springvale," Sir Reg added.

The acquisition of the Springvale facility marks another encouraging move by TriVirix International, which manufactures electronic and electro-mechanical medical devices. The company currently employs 85 people in the North.

Speaking in Belfast yesterday, Mr Richard West, the chief executive of TriVirix International, said the company had enjoyed a "positive experience" in the North. "We have grown much quicker than we originally anticipated and this agreement with Fujitsu allows us to continue with this growth," he said.