Telecom Service Centres was set up with seven staff in the 90s

Telecom Service Centres (TSC) will open a new operation in Kilmarnock with a workforce of 100 employees and a view to creating a further 430 posts.

TSC clients include Vodafone, T-Mobile, HSBC, HBOS and the Department for Trade and Industry.

Recruitment is under way for both full-time and part-time positions.

The Kilmarnock move is the biggest expansion in the firm's history.

Ken Hills, chief executive officer, said: "I am very proud of the fact that a Scottish company has made such an impact in such a highly competitive sector.

"We not only do business for some of the world's biggest brand names - we are increasing the work we do for them.

'Excellent news'

"This latest expansion will ensure we have the capability to handle more work."

The Scottish Executive provided a grant of �1.4m through regional selective assistance.

It is paid in instalments, provided job targets are met.

Allan Wilson, deputy minister for enterprise, said: "Today's announcement is excellent news for Kilmarnock and Scotland."

Last year, TSC had a turnover of �43.5m and announced profits of �2.5m - reversing an operating loss of �1.5m in the previous year.

The company was launched in Rothesay in the mid-90s with seven staff.