Section Navigation:
IBM
When it comes to cultural connections, IBM's large Greenock Campus must rate among Scotland's most diverse workplaces.Over half of the total workforce at Greenock work within five multi-lingual contact centres, providing world-class customer support services in 21 languages to IBM's global clients throughout every day and every time zone.
Mostly foreign nationals, these high-performing individuals have found Scotland an ideal place to apply their excellent multilingual and other varied skills.
Manager Kenny Lynn said: "In the global marketplace, interacting with clients in their native languages and demonstrating an awareness of their cultures is not just a matter of courtesy; it's necessary to drive their loyalty and preference."
Committed to Scotland
The Campus has continued the company’s long-standing presence in Scotland, dating back to 1951 when IBM opened its manufacturing facility in temporary accommodation in Gourock before moving to the current Spango Valley site in 1954.
The Greenock venue ranks among IBM's largest multilingual customer service operations, reflecting the success of the Scottish site in integrating so many nationalities into such a tight-knit operation.
The company's leading role in its field was recognised by Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell* when he visited the facility in 2005.
Home from home
Every care is taken with the induction course for new recruits to help them both at work and outside, so they can quickly settle down in their new surroundings.
Support not only includes assistance with housing, financial and tax matters but also putting the recruits into contact with groups, which will enable them to pursue their hobbies and interests in Scotland.
Kenny Lynn said: "We assign each new member of staff with a buddy to offer individual help and advice where required.
Help at hand
"While these new recruits are naturally outgoing characters, it's vital they know where help is available should they encounter any changes or difficulties when adapting to life in a new country.
"They have developed excellent working relationships with our UK staff. Such exemplary attitudes assist us in finding them opportunities to learn new skills so they can mature professionally and develop their careers within our organisation."
Seeing the careers of these individuals go from strength to strength has not just been personally rewarding for IBM’s management – by sharing in their growth, the company has enhanced its own worldwide reputation for the quality of its operation in Scotland.
* Archived Material - May 2007 Alex Salmond was elected as First Minister
Case study:July 2006
Find out more about careers with IBM at:
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further questions
Register for updates
Enter your details to receive email updates for Scotland is the Place. More about registration