Farmer’s Insurance to downsize Pocatello office

Farmer’s Insurance has announced plans to relocate most of the people working at its Pocatello regional office to Austin, Texas, Grand Rapids, Michigan and possibly Phoenix, Arizona.

The company said the change would allow it to bring teams closer and increase collaboration, as well as better use office space and reduce real estate vacancy in several of its locations.

Spokesperson Trent Fager said that in Pocatello, Farmer’s will be consolidating and relocating the majority of employees to other facilities. About 25 employees will remain in the area. Those workers could be transitioned to a smaller facility or have a virtual work arrangement.

The company will provide financial assistance and support for eligible employees who choose to move.

According to a company news release, the consolidation will affect about 600 positions nationwide with moves beginning around middle-to late 2016 and continuing throughout the year.

Local officials estimated there were about 150 affected positions in the Pocatello office.