T-Mobile to add 700 jobs, $20 mil center

T-Mobile also began construction today on its 77,000-square-foot service center, located in the Airport Plaza at the corner of West Kearney and West Bypass.

The center will include a workout facility, a gym, a deli, a television lounge, game rooms and a nursing room. The $20 million project is developed by Atlanta-based Holder Properties, but most, if not all, construction work will stay local, said John Birrer, vice president of customer service operations.

The center could employ as many as 820 and offers representative and management positions. Job listings were posted on the company’s Web site this morning, and Birrer encourages applicants to apply online. Interviews will begin in Springfield as early as April.

“We’re a growing company, and we need this location up and going as quickly as possible,” Birrer said.

In 2000, four small telecommunications companies merged under VoiceStream Wireless. T-Mobile's parent company, Deutsche Telekom AG, purchased VoiceStream and changed its name to T-Mobile in 2001. Since then, its customer base has risen from 8 million to more than 20 million today. The company reported year-to-date service revenues of $5.9 billion Aug. 11.

Wages for available positions will range from $9.50 to $11 per hour, depending on level of experience. Benefits will include health, dental and vision insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Birrer said the company began considering Springfield for a call center about a year ago and decided the area is a perfect fit with the company’s values.

“We’re very thoughtful in the communities that we select, and we think we’ll be a great addition to an already great community,” he said.

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