Assurant Launches State-of-the-Art Innovation Center
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ), an industry leader in business services supporting major consumer purchases, has proudly launched its new Innovation and Device Care Center. Situated in Mt. Juliet, just outside of Nashville, this facility signifies a commitment to enhance device lifecycle solutions.
Facility Size and Purpose
This impressive 259,000-square-foot facility represents a significant expansion, being double the size of Assurant's previous location in La Vergne. It serves as a vital hub for Assurant’s Device Lifecycle Solutions business, which successfully repurposed 22 million devices this past year. The center not only focuses on device care but also houses the Automation and Engineering team, responsible for pioneering automation technologies, robotics, AI, and machine learning to optimize the global supply chain.
Benefits of the New Center
According to Keith Demmings, president and CEO of Assurant, this relocation is part of a broader strategy aimed at transforming the global supply chain. The new location aims to simultaneously create more value for clients, improve employee experiences, and open up opportunities for growth. The skilled team, which has been part of the Nashville area since 2017, will play a crucial role in achieving these goals while enhancing operational efficiency.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The Mt. Juliet facility is home to around 800 employees dedicated to extending the lifecycle of devices and diminishing e-waste. By processing, testing, and refurbishing devices, Assurant helps customers trade in their old devices for financial credits while making sustainable choices for the environment. The Assurant Carbon IQ? solution estimates that around 495,000 metric tons of carbon emissions were avoided in a single year through the repurposing of nine million devices at the previous facility.
Investment in Technology and Talent
Biju Nair, EVP and president of Global Connected Living and International, stated that their new facility underscores Assurant's commitment to innovative technology and skilled employees. This strategy not only enhances customer satisfaction but also promotes sustainability within the connected device ecosystem.
Supporting Local Economic Growth
Stuart C. McWhorter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, emphasized the strategic benefits of locating the Innovation and Device Care Center in Mt. Juliet, which is close to Nashville’s vibrant tech talent pool and research institutions. Assurant’s decision to expand in Tennessee is a promising move for local economic development.
Recognitions and Awards
The Device Care Center has already made headlines by winning the Frost & Sullivan 2024 Customer Value Leadership Award for excellence in U.S. Mobile Device Trade-in and Upgrade Services, confirming its premier status in providing outstanding client services.
Community Commitment through Education
To honor the opening of the new facility and reaffirm its dedication to the Nashville community, the Assurant Foundation has generously granted $100,000 over two years to Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). This funding is designated for establishing a new Assurant Engineering Innovation Lab and strengthening the partnership with MTSU’s Mechatronics Engineering program, benefiting students and alumni alike.
Impact on Students and Future Leaders
Dr. Greg Van Patten, Dean of the MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences, commented on the transformative nature of Assurant's donation, which will elevate hands-on learning opportunities for students. The contribution reflects Assurant's confidence in MTSU’s graduates, highlighting the importance of educational partnerships in fostering innovative talent for the industry.
About Assurant
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) stands out as a significant global business services company committed to supporting, protecting, and connecting crucial consumer purchases. Ranked among the Fortune 500, Assurant operates in 21 countries, collaborating with leading brands to drive innovation and elevate customer experiences through a wide array of solutions in mobile devices, vehicle protection services, renters insurance, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of Assurant's new center?
The new center focuses on device lifecycle solutions, including processing, testing, and refurbishing connected devices while promoting sustainability.
How large is Assurant's new Innovation Center?
The facility spans 259,000 square feet, making it double the size of their previous location.
What impact does the center have on the environment?
Assurant’s operation at the center has helped avoid approximately 495,000 metric tons of carbon emissions through device repurposing.
What award has the Device Care Center received?
Assurant's Device Care Center won the Frost & Sullivan 2024 Customer Value Leadership Award for excellence in Mobile Device Trade-in and Upgrade Services.
How is Assurant contributing to community education?
Assurant has awarded a grant to MTSU for the construction of a new Engineering Innovation Lab, supporting students and educational programs in STEM fields.
