It cost $22 million to build, consists of 139,000 square feet and sits in Hanover near Arundel Mills.
Launched in August 2005 and occupied late last year, the Verizon Wireless call center has proven to be an economic engine attracting other companies, said Dick Storey, chief executive officer of the Howard County Economic Authority.
“It?s been great for the county. That facility was the driver and pioneer for opening up that section of the county to other businesses,” Storey said.
He said Verizon has become a major employer in the county with about 2,000 workers.
Verizon officials announced recently that they are looking to hire 350 more employees to work at call center.
“We?re delighted our success in serving our customers is letting us expand our local investment and create new jobs and promotional opportunities for our employees,” said Verizon Wireless Regional President Pat Devlin.
County officials worked with state official to pull the project together for Verizon, Storey said. That including working to assemble the property for the new facility, as well as getting electricity supplied to massive call center.
“We are delighted that Verizon Wireless chose to add a second Howard County location, reaffirming that Howard County is a great place to do business,” County Executive Jim Robey said in a statement.
“When we presented the opportunity to the state, Maryland partnered with Howard County in making this project a win for Howard County, Maryland and the entire region,” Robey said .
The center is home to Verizon Wireless? regional customer service organization.
The company?s regional staff, federal government support operations and the national data and multimedia services teams occupy an existing facility in Laurel.
