Unicomer Signals Confidence in Economy with Us$8 Million Investment in Operations

Unicomer Jamaica Limited has signalled its confidence in Jamaica’s economy with yesterday’s (October 8) opening of its multimillion dollar upgraded distribution centre at its Twickenham Close location in Kingston.

The renovation and expansion project, which represents an investment of over US$8 million, is expected to generate improved efficiencies in the operations and the movement of inventory by the furniture, appliances, and electronics companies, which Unicomer operates in Jamaica.

These include Courts Furniture Store, Courts Optical, Lucky Dollar and Ready Cash. As a result, delivery time of goods to customers will be greatly reduced.

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Hon. Anthony Hylton, in his remarks at the opening ceremony, said the expansion and renovation project is testament to the private sector’s belief in the Government’s growth strategy.

“This specific investment is taking advantage, not just of the improved business climate, but of the country’s improved physical infrastructure, which is critical to enhancing internal logistics,” he noted.

Minister Hylton said he is hoping that the centre’s unveiling will become a precursor to the development of a regional distribution centre in Jamaica.

“It is useful to note that the implementation of the National Export Strategy and efforts to improve our trade facilitation regime will facilitate Jamaica’s use as the distribution centre of the region. This, as our improved Government processes will facilitate ease and transparency in distribution operations,” he said.

He noted that with the improvements, Unicomer has also positioned itself to take advantage of the many benefits to come from the Jamaica Logistics Hub initiative.

Managing Director of Unicomer, Dennis Harris, informed that the distribution centre employs over 100 persons and an additional 50 persons in the peak season.

He said the company has also invested US$1.3 million in the installation of solar energy solutions at its stores at Constant Spring, May Pen, Cross Roads, Linstead, Portmore, Mandeville, and at the distribution centre.

“We will be producing approximately 1.3 million kilowatt-hours of power per year from our solar installations. This will cover up to 90 per cent of the power needs at certain locations,” he noted.

The distribution centre was blessed by the Very Rev. Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon of the Mustard Seed Communities.

The project, which started sometime in 2014 and took 18 months to complete, includes warehouse extension; construction of a guardhouse, electrical area, garbage house, kitchen and bathroom; renovation of warehouse storage facility;  road, drainage, and sewer works; and the building of a retaining wall.