The Minister commended the company’s contribution to the local economy and recognised their commitment to Northern Ireland.
Now known as Allstate Northern Ireland, the company remains a subsidiary of Allstate Corporation, the largest publicly held personal lines insurer in North America.
The new branding will reinforce Allstate’s commitment to Northern Ireland and firmly establish the local company as an integral part of Allstate’s global operations.
Since it was established in Belfast in 1998, Allstate Northern Ireland has provided high quality software development services in support of its US parent’s global operations. Its sites in Belfast, Londonderry and Strabane, which employ almost 1,500 people, undertake a variety of critical testing, technical support and business process activities for Allstate.
The Minister said: “Under the leadership of Bro McFerran, Northbrook Technology, now known as Allstate Northern Ireland, has steadily grown its presence here, providing quality employment opportunities and adding value to our growing local economy.
“This success has been driven by the company’s talented and highly motivated team and their commitment to maintaining Allstate’s competitive position in the international financial services market.
“Indeed, at the forthcoming US NI Investment Conference, I will be delighted to welcome Catherine Brune, senior vice president and chief information officer of Allstate Corporation, who will address potential investors. Ms Brune will highlight the crucial role that Allstate Northern Ireland has played, and will continue to play, in the ongoing success of the company,” the Minister added.
Bro McFerran, Managing Director of Allstate Northern Ireland added: “This is a new era for Allstate’s operations in Northern Ireland. We have worked closely with Invest NI as our business has grown, investing significant resources in recruiting and developing skills across the region.”
“For Northbrook to visibly move forward under the Allstate brand is a major endorsement of the skills and talents of our people. As Allstate Northern Ireland, we will remain focused on developing the most advanced, market leading software and technical support services, positioning ourselves to fully exploit the opportunities presented by growth in the international financial services market.”
Notes to Editors:
1. Allstate Northern Ireland was established as Northbrook Technology in 1998 and, since then, the company has expanded four times, representing a total of investment of £80million.
2. Invest NI has offered SFA support totalling £15.9million towards these investments.
3. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the largest publicly held personal lines insurer in North America. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,900 exclusive agencies and financial representatives in the US and Canada.
4. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.
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