Global tech business launches configuration and integration centre
A US tech company which is one of the largest IT solutions providers in the world has set up a new state-of-the-art business facility in Barnsley to support its global expansion plans.
SHI International has opened its ‘Nexus Integration Centre’ at Capitol Park beside the M1 in Dodworth.
The company’s £12m investment in this new IT configuration and integration centre, with customer service and warehouse facilities, will enhance its capacity to deliver advanced data centre and end-user computing solutions to clients across the UK.
The Barnsley business centre will be fully operational by January next year.
It complements similar SHI configuration facilities in the US, the Netherlands, France and Singapore, plus its existing SHI UK offices in Milton Keynes, London, and Glasgow.
SHI International’s CEO and president, Thai Lee, has been at the helm since 1989 and built the company into a $13bn global corporation.
Its 46,000 sq ft Barnsley base creates a technology integration centre, sales and customer experience hub which will attract customers from across the UK to view IT solutions from dozens of tech partners showcased here.
Senior vice president for SHI’s international division, Celeste Lee, said: “The opening of the Nexus Integration Centre is another key milestone in SHI’s continuing UK, European, and international expansion plans.
“The customised client and data centre hardware solutions configured and shipped from Nexus will provide our customers with greater efficiency and availability and with reduced cost and shipping times.
“By bringing these operations in-country, any UK-based customer looking for direct oversight of complex integrated solutions can visit the integration centre where the actual work is performed.”
SHI in Barnsley has already recruited to jobs in IT, sales, customer service, administration and warehouse roles, with further plans for workforce expansion over the coming months.
Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor Sarah Jane Tattersall, attended the official opening and welcomed the US company to the borough.
Enterprising Barnsley has helped SHI UK move to this location, by assisting with planning matters, securing financial support to back their own investment and making connections with local suppliers. It has also helped with recruitment and training alongside partners, Barnsley College.
Councillor Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for growth and sustainability, said: “It is wonderful to see SHI UK opening its new integration centre in Barnsley and we look forward to seeing the company flourish here.
“New jobs have already been created and we anticipate more opportunities over the coming months as the facility ramps up to full operational status.”
SHI employs more than 6,000 people worldwide and specialises in delivering innovative e-commerce, fulfilment and IT asset management solutions and data centre management and storage solutions, as well as integrated digital workplace consultancy and support.
