Jiangsu-based supermarket chain Suguo plans to hire 18,000 new employees in 2012 to meet its development and growth needs.

Ma Jialiang, chairman of Suguo, told local media that in recent years, Suguo has made great efforts in creating working opportunities, increasing employee salaries, food safety, and maintaining price stability. In 2011, the company realized sales of CNY42 billion and its owned stores saw year-on-year increase of 20%. Meanwhile, it provided 12,000 jobs and the income of its employees increased by 15% on average.

In the next three to five years, Suguo plans to open over 1,000 new owned stores, covering more than 200 cities and counties in Jiangsu, Anhui, and Hubei; and it aims at overall sales of CNY60 billion. For the year of 2012, Suguo will accelerate its expansion, which is expected to bring 18,000 new jobs, said Ma.

According to Suguo, the recruitment this year will have some new changes. Apart from offering a large number of grass-roots positions, the company has launched a talent upgrade plan to train medium- and high-level executives. Of all the 18,000 new jobs, about 1,000 will be reportedly open to university graduates.