BRISTOL, Tenn. – Touchstone Wireless will hire 200 to 300 full-time contractors at its West State Street facility over the next three months, a company executive said Tuesday.
Jack Gemmell, Touchstone’s vice president for human resources, said the wireless company has already added 80 contractors at its Bristol location and will bring in 120 to 220 more within 90 days. He said the workers will earn $9 an hour as technicians, repairing and servicing cell phones throughout Bristol and East Tennessee.
“We’re really excited to be able to add people despite the tough economy,” Gemmell said. “It’s a very encouraging step for us as a company, and for Bristol and East Tennessee as an area.”
Currently, Gemmell said the Bristol plant has 400 full-time employees and 154 contractors who work full-time hours on a flexible basis. He said the new contractors are being hired through Kelly Services, an employment agency in Bristol, Va.
If the new Touchstone workers choose to have benefits, they will be provided through Kelly, Bristol Mayor Fred Testa said Tuesday.
Touchstone Wireless offers technical advice, repair services and other resources to businesses across the country.
In addition to its Bristol plant, Touchstone has locations in Hartfield, Pa., Fort Worth, Texas, and Las Piedras, Puerto Rico.
“Obviously, we feel good about how things are going in this area,” Gemmell said.
Bristol Deputy City Manager Mike Sparks hailed Touchstone’s move to add staff and said the company “has been a continuing success story” in the area.
“This is a major development for us,” Sparks said Tuesday.
“Touchstone is exactly the type of industry you want to have in your city. They’re clean as far as the environment, they produce a well-trained work force and they’ve been a great corporate partner with Bristol. So, we’re thrilled they’re taking this step and adding personnel.”
rbrown@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2512
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