Galmont Consulting, a Chicago-based technology firm, has announced plans to open a software testing and quality assurance facility in Lexington. The company expects to hire 90 people within three years to test and deliver software for its global clientele, which include companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, CNA, CVS Caremark, US Cellular and NYSE Euronext.
“For years, U.S. companies looked ‘offshore’ for highly trained, reasonably priced IT talent to manage technical quality assurance and software development projects because the cost advantages appeared to be quite good. But as companies assigned local managers to run the projects, the realities of time differences, language hurdles and cultural barriers emerged,” said Galmont President Jeri Smith. “Many companies ‘gutted it out,’ but leadership began questioning the true overseas cost advantage. Now, Galmont is providing an alternative, a ‘nearshore’ solution. We are locating this facility in Kentucky because the universities in the area are graduating significant IT talent, the cost of living and labor is reasonable, and Lexington is centrally located. We see this ‘nearshore’ software testing and development solution as a cost-effective option for our U.S.-based clients. And they are excited.”
Galmont will locate its new testing center in a 4,000-s.f. facility in downtown Lexington that offers room for growth. Annual wages for the new employees will range from $44,000 to $46,000, exclusive of benefits.
The company is also in talks to form a partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Engineering to hire and train computer science graduates. A co-op program is also being discussed.
UK President Lee Todd said the Galmont positions are “the type of creative and innovative jobs that are crucial to the growth and development of our economy as well as keeping our best and brightest in the commonwealth.”
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