Union Bank, N.A., a full-service commercial bank headquartered in San Francisco, is expanding into Arizona with a new 42,000 square foot mortgage operations center in Tempe, a Phoenix suburb. The complex will ultimately employ approximately 250 mortgage professionals, including; application processors, underwriters, and other operations support and management positions.

This is Union Bank’s first mortgage operations center in Arizona, Tempe city officials said. The new location at Papago Spectrum, 1225 W. Washington St., is part of Union Bank’s Consumer Lending division.

“We are excited to expand our Consumer Lending team in the Tempe area and we appreciate all of the support that we have received from the local community, the City of Tempe, and the state of Arizona as we grow our operations to help meet the needs of our mortgage business,” said Francis, Union Bank’s head of Consumer Lending. “We look forward to welcoming more employees to our organization in the months ahead and partnering with the greater Phoenix community.”

“Arizona is uniquely-positioned to benefit as California-based companies look to relocate or expand operations outside the state,” Gov. Jan Brewer said. “Union Bank’s decision is further validation of everything Arizona has to offer, including lean and predictable regulations, competitive tax policy and a quality workforce. Today’s announcement is great news and, I’m confident, a sign of wonderful things to come.”

"Tempe is proud to welcome Union Bank; they are a great addition to our community," said Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. "This location is unmatched, with its proximity to a METRO light rail stop, freeways and the airport, and its position just north of vibrant Tempe Town Lake and Mill Avenue. Tempe also offers highly qualified employees, terrific housing options, solid schools and superior quality of life."

Union Bank worked jointly with the Arizona Commerce Authority and Greater Phoenix Economic Council to determine an ideal location within the Greater Phoenix region. The City of Tempe’s cultural vibrancy and highly-skilled workforce contributed to the company’s decision, city officials said.

“I want to thank Union Bank for selecting Arizona after a highly competitive, multi-state evaluation process,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. “Arizona’s proximity to California represents tremendous opportunity for companies such as Union Bank looking to expand but still remain close to their headquarters, and we welcome them to our great state.”