Musson touts new tech park as largest in the Caribbean
Published:Thursday | September 28, 2017 | 12:00 AMSteven Jackson
Musson Group said Thursday that its tech park at Half-Way Tree Road in Kingston will cost more than US$30 million to develop and span 236,000 square feet when completed.
The complex being developed through subsidiary company Stanley Motta Limited, and branded 58 HWT, is now in its second phase, comprising a four-storey building of 120,000 square feet. Overall, the entire complex is expected to generate 5,000 to 7,500 jobs in the business process outsourcing, or BPO, sector.
"The idea is to create an environment which is efficient, robust, scalable and with access to untapped and skilled human resources, creating an environment that can support the existing and future customer requirements of the BPO businesses, while maximising the profitability of the businesses," said Chairman of Stanley Motta Melanie Subratie.
The group describes the development as the largest BPO facility in the English-speaking Caribbean. It will be managed by an American company called Alorica, which oversees 36 call centre operations globally.
The Musson conglomerate, led by Paul 'PB' Scott, will use some of the space for its telecoms business, Transaction E-Pins Limited, which operates the electronic mobile phone top-up credit in Jamaica, selling airtime for both Digicel and FLOW. E-Pins delivers the service to shops and distributors.
However, most of the complex will be leased to call centre operators.
The complex is meant to complement existing offices, restaurants, doctors' offices, insurance and day-care space on the property.
"This investment demonstrates the commitment of the Musson Group to development and growth of Jamaica. It has taken place against the backdrop of partnerships and support from many stakeholders," said Scott.
"As a firm believer that a rising tide lifts all ships, we are happy to contribute to that tide," he said at the tech park's unveiling ceremony on Thursday.
The full project is expected to be completed in June 2018.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who was present for the unveiling, highlighted the new jobs to be created and the continuing contribution of the BPO sector to the economy. Holness said that in the space of a year, the jobs in the BPO sector grew from 18,000 to 22,000 and will grow to roughly 25,000 by February 2018, with the continued roll-out of space in the 58 HWT complex.