Shipping company relocation creates new jobs in Fremantle

16/3/01
Mediterranean Shipping Company's (MSC) relocation of its regional headquarters to Fremantle will bring major benefits to both the company and to Western Australia.
State Development Minister Clive Brown said about 60 permanent jobs would be created in the port city as a result of the move. In total the company would employ about 84 people locally.
"MSC's move reverses the trend of shipping companies centralising on the east coast," Mr Brown said.
"Mediterranean Shipping is one of the world's largest container shipping companies. Its new regional headquarters includes all national ship planning, container control, IT, accounts, and quality assurance functions."
Mr Brown said Fremantle's strategic location was a major factor in MSC's move to Western Australia, which was facilitated by the Department of Commerce and Trade.
"Being in Fremantle means the summer time difference with central Europe is cut to seven hours, allowing operational decisions to be made with the company's head office in Geneva (Switzerland) on the same working day," he said.
The Minister said that as one of the largest fleet operators in Australia, MSC was also one of the country's largest agency operations in Australia.
"The company is no stranger to Fremantle, having been the port's number one client for many years," he said.
"The siting of its new regional shipping office and logistics support centre for Australia and New Zealand in Fremantle will bring many flow-on effects.
"The company expects to spend an estimated $23 million locally over the first five years of operation, including more than $15 million in salaries."
The State Government is contributing some $950,000 over two years, by way of an interest-free loan to MSC (Australia) under the Industry Incentive Scheme, administered by the Department of Commerce and Trade. The loan converts to a grant after seven years if agreed performance criteria are met.
This will help to offset some of the establishment costs associated with the venture, such as training of new personnel and relocation of key staff from the company's Melbourne office.
Mr Brown said that while it was a major commitment, it was also an investment which would reap significant rewards for Fremantle and for the State generally.

The Department of Commerce and Trade's Industry Incentive Scheme fosters economic development in Western Australia by facilitating major capital investment in new products or services of strategic importance to the State.
Media contact: Bev East 9222 9699