650 Jobs For US Software Company

650 jobs are to be created in Belfast, L'Derry and Strabane by technology company Allstate Northern Ireland.

The First and deputy First Minister made the announcement today.

US-owned Allstate Northern Ireland was established in Belfast in 1998 and provides software development services in support of its US parent's operations.

The expansion is being assisted by Invest Northern Ireland, which has offered up over £4.5m of support.

It is thought the move will deliver £20m annually in salaries 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.

Speaking at Allstate’s offices in Belfast, First Minister Peter 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."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness added: "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."

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster also welcomed the news: "Allstate has grown to become one of our most well established investors and one of our biggest employers.

"Today’s announcement demonstrates clearly that Northern Ireland is a good place to do business and that we have the ability to secure quality investment and high value jobs from some of the world’s most successful and respected companies."

Bro McFerran, Managing Director, Allstate Northern Ireland, said: "Allstate Northern Ireland has had a strong presence here since 1998, and working closely with Invest NI, we have grown to employ over 1,900 people across our three sites. Many of those people are non-IT graduates who have received advanced training and now have new skills and regarding careers with Allstate."

(IT/MH)