SQM, a Canadian company that provides follow-up services for companies using call centers, has opened an 11,500-square-foot office at 7400 Mineral Drive, in the Coeur d’Alene Tech Center building.

The company opened the office in March with 90 employees.

Based in Vernon, British Columbia, SQM provides quality assurance services for more than 400 companies across North America. It’s been in business for nearly 20 years.

The North Idaho office is the first in the United States, said Sarah Kennedy, SQM vice president for business development.

Kennedy said the move to Idaho made sense. First, SQM received warm interest and support from area groups, including Coeur d'Alene-based Jobs Plus and its director Steve Griffitts.

Plus, the five hour drive from Vernon, B.C., to North Idaho is just about the right amount for staff from the two offices to manage. As long as travel is relatively easy, Coeur d'Alene made a great choice, Kennedy said.

SQM sees likely expansion in the Coeur d’Alene office as it adds more U.S. customers. It has capacity to handle 200 employees there.

Employees make outbound calls to customers who have had contact with business call centers. Calls are made to determine the level of customer satisfaction, Kennedy said.

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