A Tennessee firm that made waves two years ago when it announced plans to put a software development center in Atlanta and hire up to 250 workers, is shutting down its Buckhead operations, according to the city’s economic development agency.
Nashville-based Asurion, a provider of insurance for mobile phones and electronics and other technology protection products, announced its expansion plans in January 2012. The company’s decision to expand in Atlanta had been seen as a coup for the city because of its expected roster of high-paying tech jobs – averaging $90,000 per year.
The company was potentially eligible for more than $2 million in state tax credits over five years, which are contingent on jobs being created over that period, according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis of the state’s tax credit formulas. The city of Atlanta also pledged support with a $500,000 grant, also contingent on creating promised jobs.
Tony Wilbert, a spokesman for Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development arm, said Asurion is required to repay the $500,000 grant it received from the city as part of the company’s recruitment. The company, he said, has agreed to do so.
A spokeswoman with Asurion did not immediately return requests for comment Tuesday or Wednesday.
It is unclear how many jobs will be affected.
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