Global insurance company AXA Assistance SA yesterday announced that it will employ 300 workers in Athlone over the next five years. The company said that 225 of these employees will be third-level graduates.

AXA Assistance SA has already taken on 25 staff for its new 24-hour customer support centre, and the other jobs will be created on a staged basis over the next five years. Minister of State for Trade and Commerce Michael Ahern yesterday made the announcement at a reception co-hosted by IDA Ireland in the Radisson SAS Hotel in Athlone.

"The midlands region has an ideal mix of skills, infrastructure and a pro-business environment, which attracts leading international companies like the AXA Group.

"This investment decision will further strengthen the developing international and financial services industry in the region," said Mr Ahern. AXA are currently working from an office suite adjacent to the N6 Retail Centre, but they will be expanding into the IDA Ireland business and technology park in the town.

Yves Masson, chairman of the AXA Assistance Group, said that the company had decided to locate in Athlone because of the "availability of a skilled workforce that can provide an excellent level of service at a competitive cost".

AXA is a leading motor and home insurer to the Irish domestic market, employing 900 people in the Republic.

Mr Masson added that "our experience in Ireland has been very positive so far and we are very confident of achieving the same success with our new operation here in Athlone".

Dermot Clohessy, regional manager of the IDA, said that he was happy that "a global brand such as AXA is investing in this region".