Area Development
QBE FIRST, part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, signed an 11-year lease to establish its operations and call center at a 183,000-square foot office complex, expected to accommodate more than 1,000 associates, in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler, Arizona.

"This facility at 2700 Frye Road offers us the ability to grow, not only in the number of people we employ but also our infrastructure and information technology capabilities," said Steve Lindstrom, regional operations executive for QBE FIRST.

"As one of the largest employers in Chandler, QBE FIRST is pleased to remain a partner in the community and we look forward to continued growth in the future," said QBE FIRST Chief Executive Officer CD Davies. "This facility will serve as a showcase for visiting clients and become a major servicing center for our customers."

"It is great to have QBE expanding into the Chandler business community," Mayor Jay Tibshraeny said. "This announcement shows the confidence they have in Chandler. We look forward to continuing this partnership and appreciate their recognition of a talented regional workforce to help them grow. A lot of people worked very hard to make this happen and we welcome QBE's continued expansion in the Price Corridor."

"Greater Phoenix Economic Council places a significant emphasis on attracting investment from internationally-based firms as a prime source of growth and employment in the region, so we are pleased to welcome Australia-based QBE to Chandler," said Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. "Together with partners like the Arizona Commerce Authority, we will continue to work toward creating quality job growth in Greater Phoenix."

While incentives offered the firm were not immediately available, QBE's Lindstrom said; "We're grateful to the City of Chandler and the pro-business attitude of city leaders for making this project possible," said Lindstrom. "

Sandra Watson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Arizona Commerce Authority said; "This decision demonstrates Arizona's competitiveness and the optimal operating environment Governor Jan Brewer, the legislature and business community have been building in order for employers like QBE FIRST to continue to operate here and grow. The Arizona Commerce Authority is pleased to see QBE FIRST grow in Chandler while maintaining good jobs and creating more opportunities for Arizona workers as it expands."