SIOUX CITY | A recently completed remodeling project has given First Administrators Inc. adequate room and an improved working environment for 50 employees added to the company's Sioux City location.
This summer, First Administrators, a Wellmark subsidary, finished the project, which created meeting and conference spaces, a fitness center and included new ergonomic work stations. Windows were installed on the east side of the 34,000-square-foot building at 1201 Zenith Drive to give the building an open feeling with more natural light.
But the change that pleased city leaders the most was the addition of 50 jobs at the site. Those jobs were moved to Sioux City after First Administrators closed its Rapid City, S.D., office, bringing the total number of workers in Sioux City to 130.
"We had the structure here, we had the staff here and we were happy with the quality of employees we've been able to hire here. This just made sense to stay and expand our operation in Sioux City," said Phil Davis, First Administrators president and CEO.
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First Administrators, a third-party administrator, processes health, dental, flex, short-term disability and pharmacy benefits and handles claims payment and administration for a number of employee groups in western Iowa and South Dakota. Sioux City staff members work in a variety of areas that include administration, customer service and claims processing.
Other First Administrators offices are located in Des Moines, Sioux Falls and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The company, which qualified for $700,000 in financing through the Iowa's Targeted Jobs program, pledged to create around 50 new positions and invest some $2.2 million to upgrade and modernize its local offices.
To show the city's gratitude toward First Administrators, Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott this summer presented Wellmark Inc. CEO John Forsyth with the city's "Growing Sioux City Award," which highlights businesses that provide significant growth and commitment in Sioux City.
First Administrators has operated in Sioux City for 65 years. Davis said the remodeling of its building near Interstate 29 and Hamilton Boulevard was due in part because of the consolidation of its Rapid City office here. Not only did the remodeling provide for a more pleasant work environment, merging the two offices has paid off for the company.
"It helped us gain efficiency," Davis said.
Davis said the ergonomic work stations allow workers to both sit and stand. They also have lower walls to allow workers more interaction and better communication. The building has work space for an additional 20-25 people.
"It's designed for growth if we need it," Davis said.
The remodeling project followed in the steps of new sites at Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. A Sioux Falls remodeling project is in the planning stages, Davis said.
