SCARBOROUGH — A ceremony Wednesday attended by state and local officials marked the opening of the first PlumChoice regional training and support center in Maine and the company’s first expansion from its Billerica, Mass., headquarters.
According to Chief Executive Officer Ted Werth, the company’s 12,900-square-foot regional center will employ 125 people by the end of this year and could support up to 500 workers within a 100-mile radius by 2012.
Since 2001, PlumChoice has offered remote technical assistance for individuals and small businesses. Services include set-up, diagnostic, repair and instruction on computers, smart phones, digital cameras and other electronic equipment. The Scarborough center will be used primarily for training and support, while most technicians will work from home.
The company will take advantage of the state’s Pine Tree Development Zone, Gov. John Baldacci said in remarks he made during the event. Under the terms of the program, a company receives a reduction or exemption from state taxes for up to 10 years while workers benefit from a higher-than-minimum wage and benefits.
Scarborough was one of 10 places considered by PlumChoice. The company leased its building at 6 Lincoln Ave. with assistance from Maine & Co., a non-profit that provides services to companies that are looking to expand or locate in Maine.
Werth said he is passionate about employees being able to work from home, what he called as “green domestic jobs” that reduce commuting-related pollution, provide a flexible work option and return off-shore jobs to the United States.
Werth also praised Maine’s financial encouragement for businesses.
“The decision to come here was based in large part by incentives from the state,” he said.
Scarborough Economic Development Director Harvey Rosenfeld said he was glad PlumChoice chose Scarborough.
“We welcome new companies to town,” he said. “We think they’ve find quality people to work and we hope they’ll grow.”
Peggy Roberts can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 125 or proberts@theforecaster.net.
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