It’s official. Time Warner Cable, a leading telecommunications company and service provider, will build a multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art call center to expand its Buffalo operations, creating 150 new jobs over the next five years. The new facility will be located at Compass East, the former Sheehan Hospital located 425 Michigan Avenue. The call center, aided by more than $3.1 million in tax breaks, is expected to be open by the end of the year.
“Time Warner’s decision to expand and create 150 new jobs in Buffalo is another vote of confidence in Western New York being a haven for businesses to stay and grow,” Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. “My administration has made creating jobs and economic development its highest priority, especially in Western New York and Buffalo. Time Warner Cable’s announcement is a testament to New York’s growing reputation as the place to do business and I commend them for continuing their commitment to this city and region.”
The new call center will serve customers of Time Warner Cable Business Class, the company’s division serving small- and medium- sized businesses, as well as large enterprises, with phone, Internet, Ethernet, cable TV and security solutions. This announcement adds to Time Warner Cable’s longstanding presence in New York, and in Western New York in particular. The company employs more than 1,000 people in the Buffalo area, and has more than 10,000 employees across New York State.
“At Time Warner Cable Business Class, we’ve grown rapidly by combining innovative solutions with world-class, commercial-grade service,” said Ken Fitzpatrick, east region president for Time Warner Cable Business Class. “Buffalo is a natural choice for our expansion: We have a strong employee team today. There’s a terrific local workforce as we add 150 new jobs. And our new facility will allow us to deploy the technology and training necessary to provide great service to our customers across the U.S.”
The former hospital was purchased by McGuire Development Co. for $2 million and Time Warner Cable will be one of its anchor tenants. McGuire is proposing significant upgrades to the property that are being prepared by architectural and engineering firm Carmina Wood Morris. Time Warner Cable will occupy roughly one third of the 160,000 sq.ft. building.