DS Services, a subsidiary of Cott Corporation, will open a 72,000 square foot, $12.4 million, state-of-the-art customer contact center and create 400 new jobs, in Lakeland, Florida.

Tom Harrington, CEO of DS Services noted, “We firmly believe that consolidating our customer contact centers in Florida and utilizing state of the art technologies in a fantastic work space, will provide many opportunities for the benefit of the residents of Lakeland and the state of Florida."

“We anticipate ultimately creating more than 400 jobs by the end of 2015 at this facility. Our leadership team is excited to work with the state to drive growth in employment while creating a state of the art facility that will not only provide superior service to our customer base, but also offers a challenging and rewarding work environment to our associates,” he added.

Bill Johnson, Enterprise Florida CEO/President said, “We are pleased to announce that another company is making a major investment in Florida. This new DS Services customer contact center will create important jobs and capital investment in Polk County. The state’s skilled workforce and favorable business climate allows companies to grow and truly succeed in the Sunshine State, and we’re happy to have DS Services in Florida.”

This project was made possible by the close partnerships between Enterprise Florida, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, City of Lakeland, Polk County, Lakeland Economic Development Council and Enterprise Florida.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “The new facility planned by DS Services is a win for Polk County and the residents who will soon have a great job. Creating jobs for Floridians continues to be the top priority for the Scott Administration and this announcement is further proof that the pro-growth policies aimed at getting Florida back to work are succeeding.”

Claudia Tritton, Business Development Director for the , LEDC said, “We are pleased DS Services is opening a new and innovative customer contact center in Lakeland, creating 32 management jobs with anticipated growth to over 400 jobs. DS Services, a Business & Medical Services targeted industry, is a great fit for Lakeland, matching our community’s strengths, goals and assets.”