Zurich Insurance is forging ahead with a growth plan at its Dublin and Wexford operations to create 240 new jobs by the end of 2010, bringing total employment to 1,100 in Ireland.
Already, 120 of the jobs have been filled through a new business centre in Wexford. The balance of jobs are being filled in two of the company’s European centres in Dublin in an investment supported by IDA Ireland.
Zurich has a number of important business operations in Ireland, including a manufacturing and services hub and various business divisions.
In 2009 Zurich established a European manufacturing and servicing hub in Blackrock, Co. Dublin to develop cross-border life products for a range of European markets. The European Hub is already manufacturing products for Ireland, Italy, Germany and UK markets. Since 2009 it has filled 35 skilled jobs with 25 additional roles to be filled in 2010.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD welcomed Martin Senn, CEO of Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) to Ireland, noting: “World-leader Zurich has chosen Ireland as the European centre for its strategically important operations – a strong endorsement of our highly educated and flexible workforce in the financial services sector.
“’The creation of 240 positions which will all be filled by the end of the year demonstrates Zurich’s commitment to growth in Ireland and reaffirms the Government’s confidence in our ability to recover from recession,’ said Minister O’Keeffe.
Markus Hongler, CEO Zurich Insurance plc and chairman Zurich Life Assurance plc said: “Zurich considered a number of options and Ireland best met our requirements because of its long-standing membership of the EU and the Euro, a well developed insurance market and a highly educated and skilled workforce.
“These factors continue to underpin our success and drive our business forward both in Ireland and across Europe,” Hongler said.
