Highbridge is to get a welcome economic boost after technology giant IBM announced on Friday (February 26th) it is creating 50 new jobs with the launch of a new IT support centre in the town.
The high-tech facility is scheduled to open at Isleport Industrial Estate by the middle of this year and bosses are currently in the process of recruiting 40 local staff, with ten further positions being filled by the end of 2010.
The new facility is part of IBM’s commitment, through South West One, to support the creation of local jobs and wider economic development of the area.
South West One is a joint venture between Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Avon and Somerset Police and IBM, which provides the authority’s technical services.
Sedgemoor District Council’s leader, Duncan McGinty, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Sedgemoor District Council fought off stiff competition from surrounding districts to attract IBM’s new support centre and we are delighted that Highbridge has been chosen.”
Highbridge County Councillor John Woodman said: “This is absolutely brilliant news and a very welcome boost to the town.”
Councillor Ken Maddock, Leader of Somerset County Council, added: “Highbridge is one of the most deprived areas of the county and these jobs will make a real difference to local people.”
