SENIOR political figures in Inverclyde have hailed the announcement of 500 new full-time jobs in Gourock.

The Tele exclusively revealed yesterday that American firm Concentrix is poised to move into a vacant unit at Faulds Park in Gourock, pictured right, thanks to a £2.1 million Scottish Enterprise grant.

The global business service company is expected to begin recruiting staff within the next few weeks.

It will take over the building vacated by IT and electronics firm Celestica a year ago when the Canadian firm pulled the plug on its Gourock operations with the loss of 70 jobs.

Inverclyde MP Iain McKenzie is delighted with the Concentrix announcement.

Mr McKenzie said: “This is truly fantastic news for Inverclyde.

“It shows that our commitment to creating long term high end jobs across Inverclyde is working.

“With unemployment figures falling and new job opportunities emerging, Inverclyde is truly open for business.

“I will continue to do all I can to help bring new employment opportunities to the area as well as to support existing and emerging projects.” Concentrix employs more than 50,000 staff and has more than 50 facilities worldwide, including in America, Canada, Brazil and Asia.

It has bases in 25 countries, supporting clients in industries such as banking and financial services, healthcare and retail.

Gourock councillor and local SNP group leader, Chris McEleny, is thrilled that a ‘world player’ firm is coming to town.

Clr McEleny said: “This is magnificent news for Inverclyde.

“When I came across the news I was genuinely delighted.

“Concentrix is a name that the people of Inverclyde are going to hear a lot about and 500 new jobs is a magnificent boost to our local economy.

“This will obviously have a direct impact on business in Gourock but I hope we can also encourage the 500 new staff and their families to also live in Inverclyde to help boost our population figures.” Mr McEleny has praised Scottish Enterprise for its crucial role in luring Concentrix to Inverclyde.

He said: “Scottish Enterprise — who are funded by the Scottish Government — have been successful in bringing a world player to Inverclyde.

“This is a good news story for the area and it further demonstrates how important the SNP Scottish Government and its agencies are treating the success of this area.

“The successful role the government played in helping save Ferguson’s shipyard followed by this great news will assure the people of Inverclyde that the Scottish Government is working for them.”