Apple nixes call center

Apple is scrapping a Colorado Springs call center, which was going to handle increased call volume related to the iPod and iPhone, citing economic uncertainty and a higher level of product quality after the iPhone OS v2.1 update. An ex-potential employee tells The Gazette that the planned 500-worker site, operated initially by Volt Information Sciences, had already brought on employees with the understanding that the call center would commence training activities on October 13th.

Initially, hopefuls were told that their training was simply pushed back to a later date, after hires were made before Apple's final decision on the call center. An Apple spokeswoman did not comment on the matter, with Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation president Mike Kazmierski claiming ignorance of any Apple activity in the region. Volt itself did not have a comment ready either.

Colorado Springs resident Jerry Reynolds spoke of his disappointment with the suddenness of the decision, saying that no prior warning was given to the cancellation.

"Financially, it kind of really puts us in a bind," said Reynolds, referring to the positions offered to himself and his wife, Amanda. "You're talking $66,000 a year between the two of us. That's a substantial amount of money. Yeah, we're angry about it. There should have been some communication on what was going on."

Apple also has past history in the Pikes Peaks region, with a manufacturing plant for notebook production opened in 1991. The plant was later sold to another electronics manufacturer.

by MacNN Staff