IBM is getting ready to move into one of the largest office buildings in Zagreb.
US computer giant IBM is making steps towards realization of its large investment in Croatia. According to its Zagreb office, their customer support centre has become operational. In addition, according to unofficial sources, IBM is preparing to move into one of the buildings of the former Hypo Centre in Zagreb, which is currently known as City Plaza, reports Jutarnji List on March 4, 2017.
“IBM Client Innovation Centre is now operational. Our employees in Zagreb provide support to customers from around the world”, announced IBM, not wanting to reveal any additional details.
The IBM user support centre will soon move to the City Plaza, and preparations are already underway. A new fire protection system is currently being installed at the future IBM offices. The move should be completed during the next quarter and it will take place in stages. “It is a large office space in a good location, given the proximity of the University Computing Centre, as well as numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, gyms and a large garage with 700 parking spots”, said one source, adding that IBM has leased the office space.
Both IBM and Centrica, the company which owns the building, did not want to comment on the rumours. Nevertheless, it seems that the dilemma about the location of IBM centre in Zagreb has been solved. There were many other possible locations being mentioned: Rugvica, Buzin and the Croatian Catholic University campus. However, the IBM centre will be opened near the headquarters of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure.
IBM’s investment in Croatia is the only major investment which dates from the period of government led by then Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković. The media reported in July last year that IBM had decided to invest in Croatia, preferring it to other candidates Slovenia and Slovakia. The plan is to create 500 jobs in Zagreb. “This investment is extremely important for the Croatian economy”, said then Prime Minister Orešković. “This is a great boost to investment climate because, when a company like IBM chooses Croatia, it sends a very clear message that Croatia is open for business and can compete with the best in the world”, said Orešković.
According to the Croatian National Bank, 2016 was one of the best years when it comes to the inflow of foreign investments to Croatia. In the first nine months – during the term of Orešković’s government – foreign businesses invested slightly more than 1.2 billion euros. By comparison, foreign investments in the Croatian economy in 2015 amounted to less than 190 million euros.
Of course, the credit for this does not belong to Croatian politicians, particularly given the fact that last year was one of the politically most unstable in the modern Croatian history. When it comes to investments in the IT sector, which both Orešković’s and the previous Milanović’s governments declared as being of strategic importance, it is an industry which is developing strongly in Croatia. We should not forget the trend that IT companies have recently started moving their customer service centres from countries like India to European countries. Perhaps Croatia has found its niche.
