Nestle opens state-of-the-art corporate office
Published:Monday | July 2, 2018 | 12:00 AMCarlene Davis/Gleaner Writer
One hundred and ninety-five new employees are expected to benefit from what's being described as the Google of Jamaica at Nestle's new corporate office and distribution centre, opened on Monday at Ferry Pen in St Andrew.
The 84,000-square metre facility, which cost US$12.5m to construct, was officially opened under the watchful eyes of government officials and members of the business community.
"We consider ourselves the Google of Jamaica with our open-floor concept and free-flowing workspace. We took everything into consideration to ensure the comfort of our employees because we spend so much time here. This location is our home away from home," said Nestle Jamaica Country Manager Daniel Caron.
Caron added that the facility was in a location that was poised for growth and transformation and that the Ferry Pen Industrial Park would soon become the go-to business district.
FOSTERING CREATIVITY
"As one of the first collaborative workspaces locally, we not only work smarter to reduce our carbon footprint, but this workspace fosters creativity and productivity among our team members," said Caron. "The office has a 'no-fixed' workspace policy, and our productivity tools are portable to allow staff to work anywhere on the property. We are truly mobile," he added.
Minister of Education, Youth and Information Ruel Reid, speaking at the opening, said that the Government was happy to support the new distribution centre, lauding Nestle for creating jobs and helping to strengthen the Jamaican economy.
"Nestle has been a household name in Jamaica over these many years, maintaining a high quality, both by standards of products and of service to the population. Nestle has long been committed to expanding its operation in Jamaica," said Reid.
Nestle's executive vice-president and chief executive officer for Zone Americas, Laurent Freixe, added that Nestle celebrated its 78th anniversary of operations in Jamaica last month - a reflection of his company's commitment to Jamaicans.
"Nestle has stayed here because we have always believed, and continue to believe, in the bright future of Jamaica. [We have] one simple purpose, and that is to enhance the quality of life of individuals and communities, and contribute to a healthier future," Freixe said.
The facility took one and a half years for completion and consists of five buildings. Nestle is the world's largest food and beverage company and is represented in 191 countries.