Hewlett-Packard (H-P) has decided not to concentrate its outsourcing activities outside of Europe, as initially planned. Instead, the company will be opening two new centers in Barcelona and Bratislava, Slovakia, to provide these services for the entire continent. The new center in Barcelona is expected to create around 400 jobs and will be inaugurated in the coming week. This decision comes at a crucial time for Catalonia, which has been facing industrial challenges due to the closure of plants that focus on low-value-added products or final assembly processes. H-P’s move also addresses a past issue when the company announced layoffs at its plant in Sant Cugat del Vallès in 2000.
In the fiscal year ending in October 2002, H-P in Spain reported a 7% decrease in revenue, largely attributed to the discontinuation of printer manufacturing in Sant Cugat. This decision impacted exports and led to job cuts at the facility. However, the company’s services division head, José Luis Villa, highlighted outsourcing as a strategic focus for H-P moving forward, with Spain emerging as one of the most active centers for these services in Europe. The new outsourcing center in Barcelona is seen as a positive development that aligns with the company’s growth plans in the region.
The decision to establish outsourcing centers in Europe represents a significant win for Spain and the continent as a whole. H-P’s previous plans to centralize these activities outside of Europe have been revised, with Barcelona and Bratislava selected as key locations. The upcoming inauguration of the outsourcing center in Barcelona is expected to boost job creation and economic activity in the region, providing a much-needed positive outlook amidst industrial challenges. By leveraging its existing infrastructure in Sant Cugat, H-P aims to strengthen its presence in Europe and enhance its service offerings for clients across the continent.
With the inauguration of the new outsourcing center in Barcelona, H-P aims to strengthen its position in Europe’s competitive market and capitalize on the growing demand for outsourcing services. The company’s decision to invest in these centers reflects its commitment to growth and innovation in the region, positioning Spain as a key hub for H-P’s strategic operations. By expanding its service capabilities and creating new job opportunities, H-P is poised to drive economic development and enhance its presence in Europe’s technology sector, setting a positive example for other companies in the industry to follow.
Overall, H-P’s decision to establish outsourcing centers in Barcelona and Bratislava underscores its confidence in the European market and its commitment to leveraging local talent and resources for strategic growth. The company’s proactive approach to addressing industrial challenges in Catalonia and expanding its service offerings in Europe highlights its resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving business landscape. With the upcoming inauguration of the Barcelona center and the positive impact it is expected to have on job creation and economic growth, H-P is poised to strengthen its position as a key player in Europe’s technology sector, setting a benchmark for innovation and excellence in the industry.
