MSC opens huge new office building at its UK HQ in Ipswich

Mediterranean Shipping Company (UK) formally opened the 17,500m sq expansion to its Ipswich headquarters at a ceremony on Monday, July 3.

Medlog House - which will house 100 of the site's 850-plus workers - is its fourth building at Ransomes Europark.

It will provide much-needed additional office space, a staff restaurant called The Galley and an informal meeting area.

Managing director Dan Everitt said: "At a time where there is much economic uncertainty, I am delighted that we can strengthen our community ties here in Ipswich, home to our UK head office, and support local employment opportunities with the opening of our new facilities."

He added: "The addition of our new office highlights our commitment to our local community, our people and infrastructure, to continue providing the very best customer service.

"As a family company, I hope our people enjoy the new modern facilities and I look forward to sharing a coffee and hearing their thoughts.”

Operations boss Jonathan Burke added: “As a nation, the UK imports around £54.5bn worth of goods, services, food and commodities from the rest of the world.

"Therefore, the role we play in this community, and our country, is of utmost importance.”

The company is also one of the largest employers in Suffolk.

Over the past 12 months, it has been recruiting 180 people - including through apprenticeship schemes it runs in partnership with regional training providers.

The business - which was founded in 1977 - is now the UK’s largest container shipping line, and its national operations include cargo shipping and logistics.

Many UK white goods such as fridge freezers and washing machines and food and drink are imported into the UK in MSC containers.

MSC UK is owned by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, which is based in Switzerland. It operates a global network of more than 675 offices in 155 countries.