STATE minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright has declared the Government’s commitment to the local manufacturing sector, particularly at this time when it is being buffeted by increasing oil prices and other challenges.

Speaking at the opening of the SEEK Factory and Warehouse Hub by Stationery & Office Supplies Limited (SOS) on Friday at its Collins Green Avenue location in St Andrew, Seiveright said the Government has a strong and deliberate focus on expanding Jamaica’s manufacturing sector through targeted incentives and coordinated policy action.

“We are very clear as a Government, manufacturing must grow. And that means tackling constraints while aggressively supporting investment and expansion,” said Seiveright.

He pointed to the Productive Input Relief (PIR) programme as a key mechanism to reduce production costs and improve competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.

Under PIR, approved manufacturers are able to import raw materials, machinery, and intermediate goods duty-free; benefit from reduced Customs administrative fees; and access General Consumption Tax (GCT) deferrals, alongside other incentives.

“This is one of the most practical and impactful tools available to manufacturers. It directly lowers input costs and improves operational efficiency,” added Seiveright as he also pointed to the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) regime, introduced in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, as a major incentive designed to unlock new investment.

The ACA allows businesses to write off capital investments, particularly in machinery, industrial buildings, and technology, at a much faster rate, improving early-stage cash flow and reducing the effective cost of expansion.

“In simple terms, companies can recover their investment faster. That makes it easier to modernise, retool, and grow — especially in manufacturing where capital intensity is high,” he explained.

The regime applies to investments made between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026 and is aimed at accelerating productivity and industrial growth.

While outlining these measures, Minister Seiveright acknowledged that manufacturers continue to face real challenges, including high energy costs, limited access to affordable financing — especially for smaller players — labour shortages, and regulatory and administrative inefficiencies.

He stressed that the Government is actively working across ministries and agencies to address these constraints.

“This is not a one-ministry effort. We are working across Government, on energy reform, improving access to financing, streamlining regulatory and administrative processes, and strengthening workforce development through better alignment with training institutions and improved work permit processes,” he said.

According to Seiveright, Jamaica is at a critical moment, with strong macroeconomic fundamentals and growing investor confidence, but faster execution and deeper public-private collaboration will be key.

“The direction is clear, expand local production, increase exports, and build a stronger, more resilient economy. Our focus now is on delivery, scaling investment, and ensuring manufacturers have the support they need to grow,” he said.

Seiveright commended SOS for its $185-million investment to significantly expand its SEEK production line, increasing output capacity by 300 per cent through the introduction of automated bookmaking technology and the integration of manufacturing, storage, and administrative operations under one roof.

The Junior Stock Market-listed company has grown into a billion-dollar enterprise, generating approximately $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024. One of the areas in which SOS has made an impact is through its SEEK line of notebooks and supplies, which produced over 250,000 books annually before the upgrade.

The junior minister said the investment reflects growing confidence in Jamaica’s productive sector and aligns squarely with the Government’s push to build a more resilient, competitive, and self-sufficient economy.

“This type of expansion is exactly what Jamaica needs, more of local companies investing, modernising, and scaling production. It strengthens supply chains, supports jobs, and reduces our dependence on imports,” declared Seiveright.

He commended SOS for its 60-year contribution to Jamaica’s development and for making a forward-looking investment that supports education, productivity, and national growth.

“This facility is more than a factory. It is a signal of what is possible when Jamaican companies invest, innovate, and lead,” added Seiveright.