Ocado_Technology_Barcelona web

Ocado’s new office in Barcelona, where engineers will work on developing the Ocado Smart Platform

Ocado Technology is to move to a new permanent office in Barcelona this spring as it seeks to expand its workforce.

The Ocado Group division first opened a temporary office in the Spanish city in 2016. Staff at the new site will focus on expanding its mobile, web development, data science, and retail systems capabilities for its UK operations at the new site, said Clifford Bailey, head of Ocado Technology.

Bailey confirmed its software engineers would work on developing the Ocado Smart Platform, which it is looking to offer to grocery retailers around the world to accelerate their online presence, as well as power Ocado.com.

“Barcelona’s vibrant ecosystem of software-minded communities and an international reputation for engineering excellence makes it one of the best places in the world for a tech company to start and grow a local office,” Bailey said. “At Ocado Technology, we are on a mission to develop the world-class software and systems that power the world’s largest online grocery retailers.”

Opening in March 2018, the new office will accommodate more than 100 employees.

International real estate advisor Savills, which advised Ocado on the expansion, said the lease would run for five years.