This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Dell expansion to bring 850 jobs to Glasgow
14/02/2005
The computer giant Dell™ today announced that it is to create 850 jobs in Glasgow.
Despite facing fierce competition from sites across Europe, Dell™ has chosen to expand their UK operation from Glasgow's City Park. An initial 400 jobs will be created by 2006 - with up to 850 being on site by 2008.
The Scottish government has supported the project with an offer of Regional Selective Assistance worth almost £7.5 million.
Speaking at the City Park, First Minister Jack McConnell said:
"This is a significant announcement for Scotland and a ringing endorsement of what we can offer to companies across the world. Dell have recognised that we are a first class location with a skilled workforce that is second to none. They have recognised that we are a country that has what it takes to help them grow their business.
"When I met with representatives of the company at the end of last year, I was struck by their knowledge of our country and the respect that they held for our Higher Education. I told them that choosing Scotland was the right choice - one that they would not regret. I am delighted that they have made the right decision.
"The challenge for us now is to build on this announcement and to bring more companies like Dell to Scotland. We have the skills, we have the innovation and, above all, we have confidence and the hunger for success. Scotland is the best small country in the world. It is a country that is open for business."
Jim Wallace, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise, said:
"Dell's decision is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of my officials at SDI. I have been kept closely informed since learning of Dell's interest and am well aware of the tireless work that has gone into convincing the company of the advantages of locating in Scotland. Their efforts show the economic impact that can be achieved from persuading companies and individuals that Scotland is a great place to live, work and do business.
"We will continue doing all we can to secure the kind of inward investment that will help Scotland thrive in the world economy. We already know that Scotland can no longer compete on cost alone. As a result we must ensure that we provide investors like Dell with a high quality business environment that is adaptable and responsive to the needs of that individual business."
Paul Bell, President, Dell EMEA, said:
"The growth and expansion of Dell's UK operation, our second largest business outside the US, into Scotland, is testament to our commitment to continue to deliver our UK customers great products and services and a positive customer experience.
"The opening of the new Glasgow operation will allow for our future growth in the UK, by providing additional sales and customer services capacity to complement our existing and successful sites.
"Dell puts a high value on our business customer sales and support and believe Glasgow is the right choice in delivering this promise. We look forward to the Glasgow centre playing a major role in the further expansion of the company."
The new centre will offer customer sales and support for Dell's medium and large business and public sector customers. Dell has accepted an Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) offer of £7.48 million to assist with the setting up its new facility in Glasgow. The project involves planned capital expenditure of £4.235 million and is expected to lead to the creation of 850 new jobs.
Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) is the main national scheme of financial assistance to industry, helping to create and safeguard jobs and encourage investment in the Assisted Areas of Scotland. Payments of RSA are made in instalments, typically over several years, provided that job and project expenditure targets are met. The amount quoted above represents the maximum grant potentially payable if the project is satisfactorily completed. Job numbers are based on firms' forecast figures at the time a grant is offered, and are subject to change.
In October 2001, "Scotland: A Global Connections Strategy" was launched as part of the Scottish Executive's guiding principles for the Enterprise Networks, "A Smart Successful Scotland." It set out a radical new approach to establish Scotland as a world class business partner in the globally connected economy of the 21st Century, including the creation of a new body, Scottish Development International, which is jointly operated by the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise.
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) is a trusted and diversified information-technology supplier and partner, and sells a comprehensive portfolio of products and services directly to customers worldwide. Dell designs, builds and delivers innovative, tailored systems that provide customers with exceptional value. Company revenue for the past year was $49.2 billion. For more information about Dell and its products and services, visit www.dell.co.uk.