Western Wats Closes Nebraska Call Center

US data collection firm Western Wats has closed its Chadron, Nebraska phone center, blaming the economic downturn. Around 100 part-time employees have been laid off.

'As client companies reduce their spending on market research activities during the ongoing global recession, Western Wats has had to make corresponding adjustments to its workforce', the company stated in a press release.

Orem, Utah-headquartered Western Wats opened the Chadron call center in 2006. Since this time, the firm says it has enjoyed an 'excellent relationship' with the residents of Chadron, adding that it hopes to re-establish its presence there once market conditions are more favourable.

In November, the firm suddenly closed its center in Thatcher, Arizona, leaving around 147 part-time employees without a job. At the time, Stacey Jenkins, Corporate Council for Western Wats, said the closing was the 'unenviable result of diminishing business clients'.

Western Wats has phone centers across the US, as well as two operations in the Philippines. The firm was launched in 1987 to offer CATI-based interviews, online methodologies, IVR (Interactive Voice Response) surveys, an online panel, coding and analytical services.

Web site: www.westernwats.com .

In March, TNS will be closing its call center in Indiana, Opinion Research Corporation will be shutting down its Tucson operation, and Synovate will be closing its operations in Miami. In addition, Kantar Operations is to close its call center in Corpus Christi, Texas in June.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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