Comcast Adds 450 Jobs in Minnetonka

Comcast is set to open a new call center in Minnetonka—adding 450 new jobs to the city within the next couple of months. 

The 98,000 square foot call center is expected to open this summer and will be located in Comcast's existing Minnetonka facility at 9705 Data Park Drive. Renovations will begin immediately to expand and upgrade that building in anticipation of employees' arrival this summer. Those renovations are expected to be completed in the first part of 2012. 

Comcast's Corporate Affairs Manager, Dave Nyberg, told Minnetonka Patch that the 450 new hires will be full-time salaried positions with benefits. He said the company plans to spend a total of $25 million annually for the new employees—no doubt having a significant positive economic impact on the entire region.

"We will be investing in sophisticated tools, advanced technology and specific employee training for this new call center, and will begin recruiting for these 450 new jobs immediately,” said Bill Wright, senior vice president of Comcast's Twin Cities Region, in a statement.

Minnetonka’s Director of Community Development, Julie Wischnack, was upbeat about today’s announcement.

"They are a very healthy company and we are excited that they are offering more employment to that area,” she said.  “With all the improvements going on, , light rail potential in the middle of the park of Opus—all of those things spell energy and people are willing to invest in areas that are receiving investment both privately and publicly."

Comcast currently has 1,900 employees throughout Minnesota. The company serves about 600,000 customers in the state through call centers in St. Paul and Minnetonka, five local installation and service fulfillment centers, and eight local payment centers.

Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential and business customers.  Comcast is also the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks and the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks. 

"Obviously, the willingness of a company with Comcast's strong national reputation to locate 450 new jobs here is a great testament to the quality of Minnesota's workforce and the overall vitality of our economy,” said David Olson, president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “Comcast could have chosen to locate anywhere, and we are extremely pleased that the company has decided to invest and grow here in Minnesota."

Gov. Mark Dayton agreed, saying in a statement, "What great news for Minnesota."

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To apply for one of the new 450 Minnetonka jobs, interested applicants can click here.  According to Comcast officials these new jobs are full-time positions, with competitive wages consisting of a salary /commission combination. The job compensation will also include full health, medical and dental benefits, 401 K investment program, free and discounted Comcast services and other options. 

Comcast has been voted a "Top Workplace" by the Star Tribune.