Lowe’s Cos. Inc. has planned an expansion of its customer support-center in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, and the addition of 275 new jobs. The company plans to have hired the 275 new employees by September 1.

Currently, the center employs 700 workers. The new employees would reflect  625 employee increase since January 2010.

The reason for the expansion is that Lowe’s has decided it would begin handling consumer questions and problems in-house. According to Maureen Ausura, executive vice president of human resources at Lowe’s, the expansion will “ensure customers contacting Lowe’s will receive speedy service from knowledgeable and well-trained associates.”

In addition to handling customer questions, the new center is expected to handle online customer orders, and provide customers with repair services for outdoor power equipment.

Governor Bev Perdue said, “As one of North Carolina’s largest employers, I welcome Lowe’s commitment to bring additional jobs to our state.”