DS Smith, an international supplier of high-performance recycled packaging for consumer goods, is to create 100 jobs in the UK in a new shared service centre due to open in Wales in August.
The UK business is bringing together its HR, finance, procurement and some IT support services under one roof in a" ground-breaking" sustainable building.
The company will be taking the 12,000sq ft, award-winning sustainable office building just completed at the flagship Caerphilly Business Park in Wales, following agreement with developer WCR Property. The new DS Smith offices will combine the latest energy efficient and carbon reduction features with the creation of a healthy working environment.
DS Smith chose the Caerphilly site, which is close to divisional company DS Smith Recycling’s existing head office at Nantgarw, due to the proximity of a comprehensive transport infrastructure and the support of the Welsh Government.
The building is Energy Performance Certificate 'A' rated, signifying highly energy-efficient performance. It is also on track to be classed as ‘excellent’ by BREEAM, the global organisation that awards environmental assessment ratings for buildings. It is a naturally ventilating building with no air-conditioning, uses recycled rainwater and has a sedum roof which will create a natural habitat for wildlife, as well as a healthier working environment.
Peter McGuinness, managing director at DS Smith Recycling said “Our new shared service centre will mean we can work more efficiently, to ultimately deliver better value and service for our clients, while further embracing our commitment to a sustainable working environment.”
DS Smith’s move to Caerphilly was recognised by the Welsh Government, which made a grant of £436,000 available towards the centre’s construction. “Support from the Welsh Government helped secure the new shared service centre for Wales and ensured the investment went ahead at Caerphilly. I am delighted that work is now underway on fitting out the new centre which will bring direct and indirect benefits to the local economy, while creating a significant number of new jobs and career opportunities,” said Welsh Government’s Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science, Edwina Hart.
