Appalachian Underwriters Announces Expansion in Richland County
December 11, 2008
Investment expected to bring 50 new jobs to the area
COLUMBIA, SC – December 11, 2008 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Central S.C. Alliance today announced that Appalachian Underwriters Inc. will expand its operations in Richland County. The $1 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs.
“We are pleased to expand our presence in South Carolina with the new offices and expect our business to continue to grow. The Irmo area is a perfect fit for our company, providing a strong workforce and an excellent business environment, including significant reform to workers’ comp. We appreciate the support we received from state and local officials and look forward to continuing to grow our business in South Carolina,” said William Arowood, principal for Appalachian Underwriters.
The company currently has a presence in the Irmo area with a wholly-owned subsidiary, Accident Insurance Company. Appalachian Underwriters will expand its offices at that facility and add new positions.
“Appalachian Underwriters provides a wide range of services to independent insurance agents across the nation, specializing in workers’ compensation insurance. The company’s decision to expand its operations in South Carolina is an extraordinary testament to our state’s business-friendly climate and speaks to the fact that our state’s efforts to reform the workers’ comp system have been effective. This expansion will also bring with it a significant number of high-paying jobs, which will positively impact the local economy. Thanks to the team effort of state and local officials, Richland County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
In 2007, South Carolina reformed its workers’ compensation regulations. As a result of these reforms, South Carolina is witnessing an improved ability by insurers to keep down premiums, lower insurance costs for businesses, especially small businesses, and clear regulations that protect both the employer and employee. Appalachian Underwriting provides independent agents a national outlet to multiple specialized markets for workers’ compensation coverage. South Carolina’s reforms to its workers’ compensation regulations were a factor in Appalachian Underwriters’ growth in the state.
“We are excited to see Appalachian Underwriting expand its offices in Irmo. The company is a leader in providing services to independent insurance agents, and we are pleased Appalachian Underwriters is a part of our thriving business community. The Alliance is committed to working with new and existing businesses to create opportunities for South Carolinians by bringing new investment and jobs to the central South Carolina region,” Central S.C. Alliance Chairman Jim Apple said.
Appalachian Underwriters Inc., based in Oak Ridge, Tenn., is a full-service wholesale insurance brokerage, providing independent agents a national outlet to multiple specialized markets for workers’ compensation, commercial specialty and personal lines of insurance. For more information, please visit www.appund.com.
