RUMFORD – Worldwide Language Resources, which recruits and trains people from around the world who speak a variety of languages and dialects, is doubling its office space and adding up to 10 full-time and temporary employees.

Owner Larry Costa of Andover, a former member of the Army Special Forces, said his company has recruited and trained about 500 linguists who speak Arabic and Afghan who are working with the military in the Middle East.

He’s looking for about 400 more who speak both Arabic and English to help train military units in the language and culture of Iraq and Afghanistan. They’ll rotate with others serving in those countries, he said.

Worldwide Language Resources employs 27 people and subcontracts hundreds more. Begun in the mid-1990s, it recruits, hires, processes and trains people all over the world who speak a variety of languages. One of his biggest customers is the U.S. military.

“We’ve been getting more contracts and subcontracts from the U.S. government,” he said.

Last week Costa bought the building at 34 River St. from Kimball Associates. The property houses the Maine Career Center, the River Valley Growth Council and Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.

The basement is being renovated for for most of the linguistic operation now at 94 River St. Costa plans to retain ownership of 94 River St. and continue use of the upstairs conference room. The street level section will eventually be leased.

Costa estimates an investment of about $50,000 for the renovation of 3,000 square feet of basement offices. Costs are high because of the extensive telephone and computer lines that must be installed. The price of the building was not disclosed.

The tenants at 34 River St. will stay, although some may be reshuffled within that building or moved to 94 River St. The Maine Career Center abutts both River and Congress streets and will remain at its current location.

The offices of the Growth Council, Chamber and River Valley Technology Center will also remain on the first floor of the building until it moves into the technology center that is under construction on Lowell Street. Some of that move is expected to begin next spring. Then, Costa said his operation will likely expand upstairs.

Plans are to move most of the 94 River St. operation into the new offices by mid-January.

He said he is looking at another downtown building that he may buy in the future.

Costa said the local economy has no effect on his business because it can be done from anywhere. However, he likes the area, he said.

“Taxes and property prices are lower,” he said.

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