Jafza opens US base

(SUPPLIED)   

Jafza International, the global free zone management and consultancy arm of Economic Zones World (EZW), has opened its North American office in Charleston, South Carolina.

The office has become fully functional with the various administrative and business operations set in motion. The opening of the headquarters is in line with Jafza International’s time-bound plan to launch its landmark project of setting up a modern logistics and business park in Orangeburg.

The $600 million (Dh2.2 billion) investment marks the EZW company’s entry into the American market.

The South Carolina headquarters has started the recruitment of staff. Various departments, including business development, administration, sales and marketing and engineering have become fully operational.

Chuck Heath, managing director, Jafza International, said: “The office in South Carolina will be our base not only for the Orangeburg project but also for business all over the US. We are now moving fast to achieve our South Carolina target and pursue further expansion in the region.”

Jafza International, which aims to establish a global platform of logistics and business parks, signed the agreement with Orangeburg County in 2007 for the development of 1,300 acres of land into a modern logistics and distribution park.

It will include light manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities.

The ambitious project will activate Orangeburg’s economy and generate 8,000 to 10,000 jobs in the next decade. The project will be one of the biggest logistics hubs in the US.

The number:

10,000 jobs will be created in Orangeburg when work on the logistics and distribution park commences.