Allstate Northern Ireland To Create 650 Jobs

First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson MLA and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA, have announced that technology company Allstate Northern Ireland is to create up to 650 high quality jobs in Belfast, Londonderry and Strabane.

US-owned Allstate Northern Ireland was established in Belfast in 1998 and provides high quality software development services and high end business solutions in support of its US parent's operations. The Allstate Corporation is the largest publicly held personal lines property and casualty insurer in America.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered just over £4.5 million of support towards the expansion, which will deliver £20 million annually in additional salaries through the creation of up to 650 jobs across Allstate’s three sites in Northern Ireland. Almost 200 of the software development, software testing, infrastructure services and analytics posts have already been filled and the remaining 450 will be recruited by 2016.

Mr Robinson said: "This announcement of hundreds of new high quality jobs by a top Fortune 100 company sends out a clear and unequivocal message to international investors to have confidence in Northern Ireland as a competitive location from which to grow their business.

"I am delighted that Invest NI was able to secure this major expansion for Northern Ireland and that the recruitment process is already well under way."

Mr McGuinness said: "These jobs will benefit people in Belfast and the North West. The high quality positions and associated salaries are further proof that we have the people, skills and technology to support the business needs of major companies like Allstate.

"This is truly great news for our economy. Such investments bring quality salaries and new opportunities for local people so it remains vitally important that we continue to seek out investment projects in key markets and strengthen our relationships with new and existing investors to ensure that we maximise every opportunity to build a positive future for all."

(CD/MH)