KINGSTON, Jamaica — MJS Industrial and Technology Park, one of Jamaica’s fastest-growing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) developments, has generated close to 4,000 new jobs in just three years since its establishment.

“We currently employ 3,800 people as a result of this development, which was done in less than three years, which is remarkable,” the company’s executive chairman and chief executive officer, Michael Subratie told JIS News.

Located in Angels, just outside Spanish Town, the 65-acre park was strategically developed to meet growing demand from foreign and local investors seeking a business-friendly environment supported by Jamaica’s Special Economic Zone framework.

Subratie explained that “we recognised that there was a demand from foreign direct investors to set up in a location that was conducive to the types of businesses they wanted to bring to Jamaica. The Special Economic Zone incentives were a major part of the reason why the investors came to that location and occupied it”.

Over the last three years, MJS has completed Phase One, delivering 320,000 square feet of space across 15 acres. That space is now 100 per cent occupied with a tenant mix that reflects a deliberate effort to serve both the public and private sectors.

“The park currently houses three business process outsourcing (BPO) operators, two manufacturers and two Government of Jamaica entities. Among the manufacturers is Honey Bun, which is installing a new production line for sliced bread and other high-demand pastries at the facility,” Subratie shared.

Government occupancy includes the Jamaica Fire Brigade, whose headquarters at the park provides strategic access to the entire island in the event of a natural disaster.

The CEO emphasised that MJS was designed as more than just an industrial complex. Through collaboration with GC Foster College employees have access to sports facilities, while the park itself features solar energy systems, an on-site well, and a secure, well-managed environment.

“We created a working environment where people can operate in a sustainable way. It’s economic, social and governance principles in action,” he said.

The overwhelming success of Phase One has led MJS to accelerate its expansion plans where Phase Two, comprising an additional 300,000 square feet on 30 acres behind the existing development, is now in progress.

“For this phase, the development plan is approved and financing being sought,” Subratie said.

He mentioned that while the 300,000 square-foot space for Phase Two is already accounted for, there is an additional 400,000 square-foot land space that is available for new investors.

“Beyond Phase Two, MJS Industrial has an additional 400,000 square feet of development potential available under Phase Three of its master plan. The land is fully serviced with infrastructure in place, allowing investors to design and construct custom facilities tailored to their operational requirements,” he continued.

He underscored that its current investors benefit not only from modern infrastructure but also from the strong partnership MJS has cultivated with the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA).

“The Special Economic Zone Authority saw the opportunity from the beginning, and they were very supportive of us and held our hands throughout the entire development process,” Subratie stated.

He added that the tax exemptions, incentives, regulatory guidance and security framework provided under the SEZ regime have been central to MJS’s rapid growth and ability to attract high-quality tenants.

“The Special Economic Zone incentives were a major part of why the investors came,” he reiterated, adding that “working closely with SEZA has ensured that both the developer and the occupants remain compliant and positioned for long-term success.”

As MJS Industrial and Technology Park continues its expansion, Subratie remains confident about its trajectory.

“This has been a success story. In just three years, we’ve created 3,800 jobs, we’re expanding rapidly, and we’re ready to welcome the next wave of investors to Spanish Town,” Subratie expressed.

Investors/Tenants interested in occupying the 400,000 square-foot available space, may send an email to: michaelsubratie@gmail.com.

— JIS