The midlands received a major jobs boost today with the new announcement that a subsidiary of the Axa insurance company will create 300 jobs in a new call cenre in Athlone.
AXA Assistance will operate a 24-hour call centre for motorists in need assistance in the event of breakdowns and accidents. The centre wil serve Axa's customers in Ireland and Britain.
Axa currently employs 25 people in Athlone and recruitment is now under way for an additional 275 staff over the next five years. AXA Insurance Ireland is one of the biggest players in teh Irish insurance market employing around 900 people.
Mr Yves Masson, chairman of the AXA Assistance, said the company opted for Athlone due to the availability of a skilled workforce and the town's central location. Mr Masson praised the "positive attitudes" of all those involved in attracting the company to Athlone and said the company's experience in Ireland has been "very positive."