Fisher and Paykel Appliances' planned 40-person global call centre is due to begin operating in April next year.
The centre, which would also house F&P Appliances' 90 Mosgiel design and engineering staff, would require extra space as expansion of the call centre was expected, the company's vice-president of investor relations Paul Brockett said when contacted yesterday.
The company axed 430 jobs in Mosgiel last month in favour of offshore manufacturing plants, with the last of the staff due to leave by March 31 next year.
Mr Brockett said the centre was expected to be in or near Dunedin's central business district.
F&P Appliances chief operating officer for New Zealand Malcolm Harris said the Dunedin City Council had been extremely proactive and supportive in establishing the call centre venture.
"We see the necessary skill sets for both the product development and call centre being available in the Dunedin region," he said in a statement.
Mr Brockett said recruitment would begin before Christmas and training would be given before the April opening.
Former staff who had worked at Mosgiel would have an advantage, having detailed knowledge from assembling appliances.
The company was formally preparing to put its large Dukes Rd site on the market.
The company could sell the premises and lease it back for a short period until all staff moved into Dunedin, Mr Brockett said.
F&P Appliances released a statement by Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin, who welcomed the announcement.
"I am especially appreciative of the ongoing commitment made by Fisher and Paykel to the Dunedin area, beyond their high quality design and engineering staff, who will continue to be based in the city on product development," Mr Chin said.
Mr Brockett said the Dunedin call centre would supplement others in Brisbane and Auckland.
