American International Group continued its expansion in Central Europe with the opening of a new support facility in Bulgaria.

The new Shared Services Center is designed to support AIG’s insurance operations in 17 countries across Europe in areas including claims, policy servicing, accounts receivable and travel assistance services. AIG President Peter Hancock helped formally launch the Sofia-based operation at a ceremony on April 23.

Hancock said in prepared remarks that the center “will play an important part” in its European operations and also support continued expansion of its commercial insurance operations in Bulgaria.

AIG’s investment in Bulgaria is small but growing. Right now, 350 people work for the company there, the vast majority of whom are university graduates and speak at least one other language. AIG said it plans to boost staff levels in Bulgaria to about 500 by the end of 2015.=

Source: AIG