Code Blue, a Wisconsin-based insurance claims processing company, announced today, Feb. 5, it will begin hiring to staff its new claims processing center to be located in downtown Springfield.

“We have only a couple of loose ends to tie up, and we are proceeding as if everything is a go,” said Paul Gross, president and CEO of three insurance-related companies — Insurance Claims Management Inc., (ICM), Code Blue and HSG. “We’re waiting for some paperwork from the state, but we’ve been told it’s a formality at this point.”

Gross has committed to 225 jobs, including executive management, trainers, claims specialists and support staff. The initial location will be at One South Fountain until the permanent facility in the Bushnell Building, 14 E. Main St., is completed.

“The state requires us to estimate a number of jobs, but we’re quite optimistic we’ll create more jobs than we’ve committed to,” Gross said.

The company is working toward an April 1 start date.

Code Blue provides outsourced solutions for insurance carriers in managing water damage claims when an insurance policy holder has a loss.

Code Blue and HSG are both divisions of ICM; HSG manages auto glass claims.

The company has received financial assistance from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) and city of Springfield.

In December, Code Blue received a 65 percent job creation tax credit for a six-year term. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $1 million over the term, and the company is required to maintain operations at the project site for nine years.

The company is expected to receive a Rapid Outreach Grant from the ODOD for $750,000 to assist with the costs associated with the acquisition of new machinery and equipment, according to Robert Grevey, ODOD spokesperson.

The grant is expected to be approved at the state controlling board meeting Feb. 8.

The ODOD estimates the total project at $2.25 million.

Code Blue will work with Clark State Community College to establish a training program and specialized training facility.

Applications can be made at hsgcodeblue.com; click on the careers section for detailed information.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.