Tanaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD cut the ribbon on Sun Life Financial’s newly expanded offices in Waterford today, announcing that the expansion will allow the company potential growth capacity from its present workforce of 350 up to 400.
Sun Life opened its Waterford office in 1998 with a team of 12 people. The company sought to capitalize on the talented workforce available from graduates of WIT, UCC and other third level institutions. The 4,500 sq. ft. expansion and upgrade represents a significant investment by Sun Life in Waterford that, as well as supporting future growth, also recognises the valuable contribution of the team there by providing a state-of-the-art office environment.
Speaking at the official opening in Waterford today, Sun Life’s senior vice president for Client & Technology Services, David Healy said: “Our team in Waterford plays an integral role in our continued success at Sun Life. With graduates from nearby institutions like WIT and UCC, we have been able to hire exceptional people. We want them to have a facility that is worthy of their talent and expertise.”
Video-conferencing facilities, conference lines and interactive meeting rooms will allow enhanced interaction and integration between the Waterford team and those located in Sun Life’s US and Canadian headquarters.
Tanaiste Joan Burton said: “Waterford and the south-east region is seeing a welcome recovery in employment. That is why we have launched a dedicated €250 million Regional Action Plan for Jobs – to accelerate the jobs recovery in every part of the country. Together with the Pathways for Work strategy, we will create 40,000 new jobs this year and drive unemployment below 10% for the first time since the crisis erupted. From small beginnings in Waterford, Sun Life has gone from strength to strength, and I wish the company every success with the expansion.”
The company is currently recruiting for roles on its security team as well as in training, QA automation and Java development.