2010-08-25

Samuda Welcomes New Pest Control Franchise

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, has welcomed international pest control company Orkin Incorporated's decision to establish a local franchise, Orkin Jamaica, in partnership with the Guardsman Group.

Speaking at the official launch of Orkin Jamaica at Guardsman Group Limited's headquarters in Kingston on June 29th, Mr. Samuda said Orkin made "a wise choice" and described the partnership as the "marriage of two great brands."

"What we have here is an introduction of a company that will afford the existing Guardsman Group an opportunity to be exposed to training techniques, (and various) methods of doing business," the Minister said.

Mr. Samuda also pointed out that it was better to have a franchise, instead of starting the business from "scratch."

"You really are hitting the ground running...and that is the benefit of franchises. That is why, worldwide, there must be some 16,000 franchises," he said.

Known for its protection and security services, the Guardsman Group has evolved and expanded to offer a wide range of services. They secured the franchise for Orkin pest control products under an exclusive distribution deal with the Atlanta-based company.

Executive chairman of the group, Kenneth Benjamin, said one of the costly, but often overlooked, risks in Jamaica is the many incidences of pest infestation.

"We realise the need to offer protection to our clients from these ever-present risks, not just to property but also to the health of the nation. So, when we were contacted by Orkin with a view to operating a franchise in Jamaica, we saw it as the perfect opportunity," he said.

Vice-President of International Development and Franchising at Orkin, Tom Luczynski, said the company was very proud to have partnered with the Guardsman Group to represent Orkin in Jamaica.

Speaking on behalf of Health Minister, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, Director of Health Promotion and Protection in the Ministry, Dr. Eva Lewis Fuller, also welcomed the partnership, noting the linkage with the Ministry's own pest control efforts.

Founded in 1901, Orkin Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Rollins Inc., providing pest control services to residential and commercial customers. The company also has operations in Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Lebanon, and Panama.