Human capital management company C&A Industries Inc. opened its new corporate headquarters building, C&A Plaza, in June in Omaha.

The company cited the skilled work force available in the metro area as a reason why it chose Omaha for the project. C&A Industries plans to aggressively hire additional employees in order to meet the growing demand of its customers nationwide. The company anticipates increasing the number of internal corporate employees by 30 percent by the end of 2008 — a total of 150 new positions. Long term, C&A Plaza, in combination with the company's other location in Omaha, intends to add 400 employees to its work force.

“C&A Plaza is a visual landmark in what is a prime location for business and industry,” said Larry Courtnage, CEO of C&A Industries. “Our new headquarters facility provides C&A with room to significantly expand, which will enable us to meet the evolving needs of our customers locally and nationwide.”

Scot Thompson, chief operating officer for the company, said the staffing industry is projected to be one of the fastest growing industries in the United States during the next 10 years.

“The work force shortages of today will only become more critical in the years ahead,” he pointed out. “As a company, it's important that we have the infrastructure in place to support this growth, as well as continue to explore new markets. C&A Plaza is an important part of our long-term vision.”

LandAmerica Financial Group Inc., a provider of real estate transaction services, announced that it has consolidating its three principal underwriting companies in Omaha. Previously, the underwriting companies — Commonwealth, Transnation and Lawyers Title — were located in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Virginia. The consolidation process was completed in June.

“Like a number of other companies in the insurance industry, we recognized the benefits of residing in, and doing business with Nebraska,” said Theodore L. Chandler Jr., president and CEO of LandAmerica. “The state has a solid and reasonable regulatory environment and a favorable business climate that enables companies like LandAmerica to earn a reasonable return on equity. We are committed to growing in the real estate transaction services industry, and clearly the business environment in Nebraska will help us achieve our goals.”

The insurance industry is a vital part of the Nebraska state economy.

“We're excited about adding LandAmerica to our growing domestic insurance industry,” said Tim Wagner, director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance. “In comparison to other states, the insurance industry in Nebraska is one of the strongest in the United States. The assets of these companies in our state are about $271 billion, and their net worth ranks Nebraska fourth among all states. We expect the industry to continue to be a growing source of revenue.”

The company launched operations in Omaha with 25 employees.

Verizon Wireless will open its newest customer service center, a $33 million facility, in Lincoln later this year. The company is in the final stages of building a 112,800 square foot, state-of-the-art facility in the University of Nebraska Technology Park.

When fully operational, the company will employ 800 workers at the facility.

“This facility will be an important component of our commitment to provide the best customer service in the industry,” said Nancy B. Clark, president of the Great Plains Region for Verizon Wireless. “Lincoln and the state of Nebraska have succeeded in creating an inviting business climate. We know that Lincoln is a great place to live and work, and we look forward to continuing to grow our business.”

The Lincoln call center will be the first in the company's five-state Great Plains Region, which includes Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. The facility will provide support for the region's customer and field calls.

Lincoln-based human resources consulting firm Talent Plus plans to build a second office building west of its main building and add about 100 jobs to its existing work force of 135. Included in the expansion is the purchase of an additional 1.3 acres of surplus land from the city. T

The expansion will create high quality, high impact jobs that represent a tremendous economic opportunity for the city of Lincoln, according to the company, whose key customers include Ritz-Carleton Hotels, Estee Lauder and Mercedes Benz.

The company considered moving its operations outside of Nebraska before deciding on Lincoln.

Also in Lincoln, Bosch Security Systems will consolidate all of its North American repair work in the metro by 2008. The company plans to move repair of its fire alarm, intrusion alarm and controlled access products, as well as its spare parts ordering operation to Lincoln.

The company, which currently employs more than 250 workers in Lincoln, plans to hire more than 60 additional employees during the next year.

Fairport, N.Y.,-based Bosch made the decision to centralize the repairs in one location to increase efficiency and flexibility and improve customer service, according to the company. Lincoln was chosen because of its central location, even though security products are not manufactured in the state.

BD Medical Pharmaceutical Systems, a medical technology company that serves healthcare institutions, life sciences researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the public, has expanded on more than one occasion in Nebraska within the past two years.

In 2005, the company expanded its original facility twice in Columbus. First, BD added 75,000 square feet followed by another 245,000 square feet at a total cost of $83.5 million. The expansions included additional state-of-the art equipment to manufacture a line of glass syringes and delivery services and sterilize products.

Similarly, BD expanded its Medical-Diabetes Care division in Holdrege by purchasing a 38,950 square foot facility for research and development. Collectively, the expansions added approximately 130 employees to Nebraska’s work force.