Campus News

UK Helps Draw Software Jobs to Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 14, 2010) Governor Steve Beshear was joined by Commerce Lexington, local officials, and University of Kentucky representatives on campus today in announcing that Galmont Consulting, LLC, a Chicago-based software testing firm, has chosen Lexington as the site for its expanded testing center.

Galmont, a niche consulting firm that specializes in software testing for Fortune 500 clients, already has initiated talks with UK's Computer Science Department, part of the College of Engineering, in hopes of identifying graduates that could work for Galmont, as well as developing a co-op program.

"Galmont Consulting will be an excellent addition to Lexington's corporate landscape, bringing 90 new engineering jobs and a $1.3 million investment," said Gov. Beshear. "These employment opportunities will also help open the door for our recent graduates from the University of Kentucky's College of Engineering. It's a win-win for everyone."

Those 90 high-tech positions are projected to have an average wage of $46,400/year, plus benefits. The company said the Lexington facility, to be located downtown within a 4,000 square-foot facility at 108 Esplanade, has the room and potential to grow beyond 90 jobs in the future.

"We are currently seeing a big swing back in the direction of companies trying to bring some of their outsourced testing activities back to the U.S.," said Jeri Smith, president of Galmont Consulting. "Lexington's close proximity to our headquarters, as well as the volume of quality computer science graduates from the University of Kentucky and other area colleges, will help Galmont better serve our global clientele."

Included among Galmont's clients are a number of industry leaders in the fields of insurance, healthcare and finance. 

"We are excited to welcome Galmont Consulting to the Bluegrass," said UK Provost Kumble Subbaswamy. "They are bringing 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. We look forward to partnering with Galmont as we seek to provide world-class, high-tech career opportunities for our graduates right here in Lexington."

"Once again, the brainpower at the University of Kentucky is attracting high-tech jobs to our city," said Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry. "This is more evidence that our economic development strategy, partnering with UK and the private sector and focusing on the horse, health care and high-tech sectors, is moving Lexington forward."

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Galmont Consulting for tax incentives up to $800,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The incentive can be earned over a five-year period through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments. The maximum annual approved amount to be earned by Galmont Consulting is $160,000.