ICON targets 1,000 new BPO jobs over next two years
Published:Friday | January 3, 2025 | 12:07 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
ICON Importers and Distributors, a company with over 25 years of service, has unveiled a major investment in the Global Service Sector (GSS), formally known as business processing outsourcing (BPO). This move will transform the scenic Paradise area of Westmoreland into a vibrant commercial hub, employing approximately 1,000.
Guided by the visionary leadership of Chief Executive Officer Moses Chybar, the company has become a vital part of the local community, known for providing high-quality goods at affordable prices across the manufacturing, import, distribution, and retail sectors.
The construction of its new state-of-the-art BPO facility is set to begin towards the end of this year; however, the company has decided to withhold the actual cost of its financial investment into the project at this time.
“As part of ICON Importers and Distributors’ strategic growth plan, we are excited to announce our intention to construct a modern facility at our Paradise location to house a business process outsourcing company,” said Chybar.
“This project is a significant step in our commitment to contributing to economic growth and development within Westmoreland and Jamaica as a whole,” he told The Gleaner yesterday. “The project is slated to begin by the end of 2025, with a targeted completion date by the end of 2026. Our goal is to have the facility fully operational by the end of the second quarter of 2027.”
Partnerships with experts
According to the ICON CEO, the company is investing in the GSS, which has seen significant growth in employment of approximately 52,000. It will forge partnerships with experts in the industry to manage the operations.
“While ICON will not directly manage the BPO operations, we plan to partner with a reliable and experienced operator to utilise the space effectively,” Chybar said, noting that the impact of this project is expected to be far-reaching.
“The facility is being designed to accommodate approximately 1,000 employees, providing substantial job opportunities for residents in the parish and beyond,” Chybar said of his company’s planned investment in the GSS. “Beyond direct employment, the project will create ripple effects across various sectors of the local economy, including transportation, healthcare, education, hospitality, retail, and other essential services.”
The GSS in Jamaica has seen significant growth in employment over recent years. As of 2024, the sector employs approximately 52,000 people, up from 32,000 in 2016. These figures represent a 61.5-per-cent increase in job creation over an eight-year period and generate over US$900 million in revenue per year.
“We believe this development will not only stimulate economic activity, but also foster community growth by enhancing access to resources, services, and opportunities for residents,” Chybar explained. “At ICON, we are committed to making meaningful contributions that uplift the communities we serve, and this initiative aligns with our vision for sustainable development in Westmoreland.”