International supplier of high-performance recycled packaging for consumer goods, DS Smith is to create 100 jobs in Caerphilly, Wales, in a new shared service centre due to open in August.

The UK business is bringing together its HR, finance, procurement and some IT support services under one roof in a ground-breaking new sustainable building, in a move that has been partly funded by the Welsh government.

The company will be taking the 12,000 square feet, award winning sustainable office building just completed at the flagship Caerphilly Business Park, following agreement with developer WCR Property. The new offices will combine the latest energy efficient and carbon reduction features with the creation of a healthy working environment.

The Caerphilly site is close to divisional company DS Smith Recycling’s existing head office at Nantgarw and was chosen due to the talent and depth of skills across the region’s workforce, the proximity of a comprehensive transport infrastructure and the support of the Welsh Government.

The environmentally friendly building is EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ‘A’ rated, signifying highly energy efficient performance. It is also on track to be classed as ‘excellent’ by BREEAM, the global organization, which 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.’ 

The 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.

Mike Wallace, property director for WCR Property said, ‘It is great news that a high-profile company such as DS Smith is bringing quality jobs to the area. We are proud to play our part in attracting high calibre employment to Wales by continuing to develop Caerphilly Business Park. DS Smith is the latest prestigious employer to move here and we are close to ensuring that more arrive over the coming months. We expect it will enjoy the benefits of low costs and high productivity which this type of accommodation supports.’

Caerphilly council has invested in the infrastructure around the building, and is constructing a footpath linking the business estate to the bus and train station. Cllr Ken James, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and sustainable development at Caerphilly county borough council, said, ‘We are very hopeful that this business centre is going to provide a big economic boost to the region, and we want to make it as easy as possible for people working there to get to work by public transport.’

He continued, ‘We very much welcome the news that this new service centre will create a number of employment opportunities, and I look forward to seeing this come to fruition in the coming months.’