The human resources and benefits consulting company Mercer announced a plan to expand its Iowa City operation that will generate around 200 jobs over the next two years. The global company already has 250 employees in Iowa City and has operated in the region for more than 30 years under a number of different banners- currently trading under the name Marsh and McLennan. Mercer now employs over 20,000 people in more than 40 countries worldwide; with headquarter in New York City.

Joe Barry, a Mercer partner who manages the Iowa City location, said that a number of factors went into Mercer’s decision to expand in Iowa City, including the diverse and educated work force of the region. “The dynamics of this marketplace and this industry and our growth will require us to have a work force that’s highly adaptable and flexible,” he added.

Barry explained that Iowa City location basically provides administration, communication and the management of employee benefits, primarily health care. As an HR company, Mercer takes all of the administrative duties out of HR and the benefits departments of the clients to allow them to manage their costs more effectively. Barry also revealed that Mercer purchased a Cleveland-based software company in preparation for the expansion.