Global IT company sets up base in Barnsley

SHI International, a US IT solutions company, has set up a ‘state-of-the-art’ UK base in Barnsley as part of its global expansion plans. 

The company’s new £12m ‘Nexus Integration Centre’ will aid the work of its existing offices in London, Glasgow, and Milton Keynes and is its second integration centre in Europe, adding to an existing facility in the Netherlands. 

The 46,000 sq ft base includes customer service and warehouse facilities with the main focus being an IT configuration and integration centre, where solutions such as ‘data centre server rack builds, device imaging, and asset tagging’ are completed before being sent out to customers. These solutions will also be showcased at the centre for customers to view. 

Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for growth and sustainability, Cllr Robert Frost, said: ‘It is wonderful to see SHI UK opening its new integration centre in Barnsley and we look forward to seeing the company flourish here. 

‘New jobs have already been created and we anticipate more opportunities over the coming months as the facility ramps up to full operational status,’ he added. 

SHI were assisted with their move by Enterprising Barnsley, the economic development arm of Barnsley council, who aided in planning matters, securing financial support and connecting the company with local suppliers. Training and recruitment has also been carried out in partnership with Barnsley College. 

The Barnsley centre, which will be fully operational by January 2023, was opened by Celeste Lee the Senior Vice President for SHI’s international division, she said: ‘The opening of the Nexus Integration Centre is another key milestone in SHI’s continuing UK, European, and international expansion plans.’ 

Describing itself as one of the largest IT solutions providers in the world, SHI International is a $35bn corporation with 35 offices across the world. It is also the largest ‘Minority or Woman Owned Business Enterprise’ in the US with CEO and president Thai Lee leading the company since 1989.

Photo by Scott Blake