PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2019
Small and Medium Sized Businesses to Benefit from
the Redevelopment and Expansion of the Garmex Freezone
Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the Honourable Daryl Vaz has lauded the Board of Directors, Management, staff and clients of Factories Corporation of Jamaica Limited’s (FCJ) Garmex Free Zone, on the commendable work taking place at the facility.
While on a tour yesterday (November 14, 2019) at the site for the redevelopment and expansion project of Garmex Free Zone, which is located on Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston, the Minister recalled the contribution of his father, former Industry and Commerce Minister, the late Douglas Vaz’s role in the development of the Garmex Free Zone.
“First of all it’s very inspiring to be here today, to actually see what is taking place at Garmex, it’s at this particular time in the 80’s, my father played an instrumental role in the creation of this complex.”
The Minister visited the operations of a few local manufacturing and distribution companies and was given a guided tour of their production facilities. He said he was impressed with the high levels of operational efficiency at these small and medium sized businesses and noted their need for expansion.
“I’ve seen some amazing small businesses. What I am seeing now in relation to the level of occupancy and the level of demand for space, and all who I have spoken to, speaks great volume for the future in terms of job creation and of course economic growth.”
The Minister stated the importance of the expansion of the Garmex Freezone to its current occupants and also other small and medium sized businesses who are in need of space.
“Right now Garmex is operating on a little over half a million square feet of commercial space, we have plans to increase that to one million square feet. All the entrepreneurs here are all upbeat about the economy which is good”
The Garmex Free Zone sits on 44 acres of land and has approximately 545,000 square feet of net rentable space. It is home to 28 long standing clients, majority of whom operate in the warehousing, agro-processing and manufacturing industries. Being one of FCJ’s dominant sites, there is a constant demand for space. This demand is also fueled by Garmex Free Zone’s proximity to both air and sea ports, major thoroughfares and the business district, Downtown Kingston.
In keeping with our mandate in being a provider of industrial and commercial space, FCJ intends to redevelop and expand the Garmex Free Zone. The project will add an additional 450,000 square feet of space under two phases, phase one is set to start later this year.
Contact
Lyttleton ‘Tanny’ Shirley
Chairman
876-999-7015
-30-
