Above: CGI Group plans to expand its facility in Troy, adding 200 jobs. (contributed)

A Canadian information technology company that is expanding its Troy facility is a solid example of the importance of partnerships between local, regional and international businesses and governments, officials said.

CGI Group plans to hire an additional 200 employees and add 10,000 square feet to its U.S. Onshore IT Services Delivery Center on South Brundidge Street. Consulate General of Canada Louise Blais visited the CGI offices last week as part of a six-state tour of where Canadian businesses participate in international trade.

Marsha Gaylard, president of the Pike County Economic Development Corp., said a regional team invited Blais to Troy this summer during the Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces Alliance conference on Prince Edward Island.

Gaylard said Blais’ visit was perfect timing to share how essential partnerships are between the Southeast and Canada.

“We are really blessed with a very diverse industrial business mix with companies like CGI, companies that we’ve always wanted to have,” Gaylard said.

“We’ve talked to several (Canadian) companies with interest in putting second locations into the United States, as well as some export opportunities for our existing companies. CGI has been a tremendous corporate partner.”

A CGI publication said the company opened in Troy in 2010 with a plan to hire 300 information technology professionals because of the area’s “excellent quality of life, access to outstanding graduates from Troy University campuses, strong IT infrastructure,” business friendliness and local governments committed to growth.

The company also credited the decision to locate in Alabama to local and state officials and the  21st Century economic development incentives law that offers tax breaks on projects such as data processing centers, research and development facilities, and renewable energy plants.

According to CGI spokeswoman Linda Odorisio, CGI now employs more than 400 people at its Troy location. Overall, the company reported about $10.5 billion in revenue last year and an order backlog of about $18.2 billion.

Data provided from Blais’ office showed Alabama is Canada’s largest international partner, with more than 111,000 jobs linked to that country.

The Alabama Department of Commerce’s New & Expanding Industry Report showed bilateral trade between Canada and Alabama last year was $6.4 million for five projects.

This story originally appeared in The Dothan Eagle and is published with permission by Alabama NewsCenter.