Elephant Auto Insurance, a subsidiary of U.K.-based Admiral Group, will invest $2 million to establish its U.S. headquarters and operation center in Richmond, Virginia. The project is expected to create 1,173 new jobs in Henrico County.

Kevin Chidwick, CEO of Elephant, said, “We chose Richmond for our United States headquarters because of simple cost-benefit economics. The labor force here is excellent – well educated, friendly, hard-working, honest, analytical, creative. The talent pool is plentiful across our many functional business areas, including customer service, claims handling, IT, accounting, marketing, sales, compliance, and insurance operations as well as call center operations.”

“Because of the region’s reasonable cost of living, the financial economics of recruiting, rewarding, and retaining this talent are not only attractive in the short-term, but aligned with our business’s long-term aspirations. Finally, the region’s public leaders have proven to be exceptional business partners during every step of our journey – from research to evaluation, and from launch through on-going support,” he added.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Henrico County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. The Greater Richmond Partnership also provided valuable assistance. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“In 2009, Elephant Auto Insurance worked with the Greater Richmond Partnership and Henrico County to locate its United States operation here, and has already grown to be one of our major employers,” said Frank J. Thornton, Chairman of Henrico County Board of Supervisors. “We appreciate the commitment to Henrico County as Elephant has expanded its U.S. footprint, added new jobs and relocated to larger offices in Henrico County. Elephant exemplifies what it means to be a good corporate citizen, and we are proud the company calls Henrico County home.”

“This is exciting news for Henrico County and the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “This is another example of a global business that understands the value proposition of doing business in the Commonwealth and is choosing to enhance its investments here. We are proud this fast-growing company calls Virginia home, and we look forward to the continued success of Elephant Auto Insurance.”