OfficeMax invests in Christchurch with creation of 60 new jobs
OfficeMax New Zealand has opened its new Australasian Contact Centre in Christchurch, with the creation of 60 full-time
jobs in the region. Christchurch was chosen for its access to a local skilled workforce and building capacity.
Located on the same site as the South Island Regional Sales Office and South Island Distribution Centre in Hornby, the
addition of the Australasian Contact Centre brings the total number of staff employed by OfficeMax in the region to a
total of 170 employees (full and part-time).
At the launch of the new development were OfficeMax President and CEO Ravi K Saligram and Steve Parsons, Executive Vice
President, Chief Human Resources Officer – both from the OfficeMax Global Head Office based in Chicago – joined by
OfficeMax Country Manager Dean Butchers and Christchurch Mayor, Bob Parker.
At the launch, Mr Saligram said: “It is good to see that the city of Christchurch is getting back on its feet after the
devastating earthquake a year ago. We were proud of the work that OfficeMax New Zealand undertook to assist emergency
services, working behind the scenes to ensure that organisations such as the Civil Defence force had all the stationery,
first aid and emergency supplies it needed to effectively perform their task. OfficeMax globally donated funding and our
suppliers worked 24 hours with courier organisations to get everything as quickly as possible to Christchurch.”
Following a meeting with Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Peter Townsend, during which he was briefed on the city’s
redevelopment progress, Mr Saligram commented, “OfficeMax is delighted to be able to bring further employment to the
region. We look forward to working with the business community to rejuvenate the local economy over the coming years.”
Among the OfficeMax New Zealand corporate social responsibility strategy, OfficeMax has taken steps to support
Christchurch since February 2011; OfficeMax partnered with BIC to sell a ‘Stay Strong Christchurch’ pen with 100% of
proceeds going to the Red Cross earthquake appeal; the OfficeMax global business donated US$10,000 and the OfficeMax
educational grants program – Max e Grants – awarded a number of grants supporting pupils in the Christchurch area in its
August grants round.
ENDS