First Data Resources to locate new facility in Virginia
Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that First Data Resources, Inc., a leading global provider of transaction processing services, will locate a $15 million credit card personalization and distribution center in the City of Chesapeake. The company will initially hire 120 workers and anticipates adding up to a total of 500 new jobs.
"I am pleased that First Data Resources has recognized the positive benefits of doing business in Virginia," said Governor Gilmore. "Virginia is the perfect location for a company that makes worldwide business transactions simpler."
Omaha, Nebraska-based First Data Resources (FDR), a business unit of First Data Corporation, serves over 1,400 card issuing companies nationwide and processes the information that allows millions of consumers to pay for goods and services by credit or debit card.
"Chesapeake offered FDR an existing facility and a good opportunity for future business growth. We appreciate the cooperation we received from the state, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the City of Chesapeake and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship as we move forward," said Tim Rosenthal, FDR's senior vice president of PlastiCard Custom Services.
In addition to the facility in Chesapeake, First Data Corporation has a variety of financial services business units with operations in Richmond, Glen Allen, Virginia Beach and McLean, Virginia.
"The First Data expansion to Chesapeake helps to advance the City's position as a strategic location for companies involved in financial services," said Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward. "The First Data project creates an additional benefit to our regional economy as a result of its manufacturing requirement."
First Data Corporation is one of the world's leading providers of transaction processing services -- credit, debit and pre-paid card processing; payment systems; electronic commerce and information-based services to both businesses and consumers. In partnership with clients, primarily financial institutions, and a worldwide Western Union agent network, First Data processes the information that allows consumers to pay for goods and services by check or card or any form of payment, except cash - at any point of sale, whether at the retail counter or on the Internet. And, through Western Union, First Data is the global leader spanning more than 150 countries in money transfer services that are convenient, fast and reliable. With an international employee base of more than 36,000, First Data delivers innovative solutions and quality service to a broad base of clients and consumers all needing to transact business - anytime, anywhere.
Governor Gilmore approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Chesapeake with site preparation. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the City of Chesapeake assisted the company with its decision. The company will also receive recruitment and workforce training services from the Department of Business Assistance- Workforce Services, as well as other state and local incentives.
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