WIREDGOV

First Minister, Carwyn Jones and Economy Minister, Edwina Hart have yesterday welcomed 620 new jobs which are being created in Bridgend by CGI, the fifth largest independent information technology and business process services firm in the world, with Welsh Government support.

CGI is expanding its operation in Bridgend with £3.2m business finance from the Welsh Government. The expansion will bring the total employed by CGI in South Wales to 1,540 and ensures Bridgend, which employs around 25% of the firm’s UK based staff, will continue to be a strategically important part of the company’s growth plans. Its South Wales operations deliver a range of outsourcing, application services and infrastructure services to clients across the UK.

The announcement comes following a meeting between the First Minister and Michael Roach, the President of the Canadian based company in Montreal in July.

Speaking during a visit to CGI the First Minister said:

“This is great news for Wales and our IT sector and a great vote of confidence in Wales as a place to do business. It speaks volumes about what Wales has to offer as a business location for companies looking to expand.”

The Minister said:

“CGI is an important employer in South Wales and I am delighted it has committed to continuing to develop its workforce in the region. Today’s announcement is excellent news for the region with 620 new skilled jobs that will yield knock-on benefits for local businesses and the wider community.

“The Welsh Government has recently awarded CGI anchor company status in recognition of its economic contribution and commitment to on going expansion in Wales. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the company to support its contribution to the Welsh economy.”

Tim Gregory, President of CGI in the UK, said:

“As we continue to grow our business and our clients increasingly adopt newer technologies such as cloud it is more important than ever that we can offer them a highly-skilled workforce. Our Bridgend based team will be at the forefront of delivering award winning services and solutions. We are delighted that the Welsh Government has recognised the quality of work CGI delivers and the strength of talent of our Welsh members and is helping us to further grow the team.”

CGI has three sites in Bridgend including a data centre on Waterton Cross Business Park, Bridgend Science Park and Waterton Industrial Estate. The firm has also received significant funding from the Welsh Government’s Skills Growth Wales programme, to assist in the continued development of CGI’s skilled workforce in Wales. The funding is being used to train new employees and up-skill current members.

The announcement is made on the same day the Economy Minister officially opens Tenneco Walker’s new manufacturing facility in Merthyr Tydfil. The car parts manufacturing company’s investment in this new plant has been supported by the Welsh Government. It will create 224 jobs and help maintain a further 36 and will complement the company’s existing plant in Tredegar.

Both announcements come at a time when inward investment performance in Wales is at a record high. In 2013/14, 79 foreign direct inward investment projects were attracted, creating and safeguarding 10,805 jobs. The number of jobs recorded in Wales increased by 53% on the previous year bucking the trend for the rest of the UK, where total jobs numbers were down 35%.

Related Links