WILTON – The expansion of the Barclaycard U.S. customer-care facility came as a surprise to Wilton residents but created excitement in the Franklin County town.

The facility, which opened in May, employs about 70 but announced its intention to add 25 new jobs by the first quarter of 2009, according to a news release from Gov. John Baldacci’s office issued on Tuesday.

“It’s 25 more now but we’re taking more space to leave more room to grow and hopefully hire more next year,” said Jen McEntee, director of the Wilton Care Center. The facility, located at the Bob Nichols Expo Center, 128 Weld Road, will expand to 112 workstations and add a conference room and administrative space.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the way we’re going. The people we’ve hired have been fantastic. We’re hitting goals and adding value to the organization. I’m really excited the announcement has been made. We talked earlier about a growth plan and now it’s happening,” she said.

Workers at Barclaycard in Wilton provide customer service for partners who offer credit cards. If someone has a problem with their card or it’s lost or stolen, the center provides customer service through incoming calls and e-mails, she said.

“We need all the good news we can get with economic conditions the way they are. Barclays has chosen the right place … we have an excellent work force,” said Town Manager Peter Nielsen upon hearing the news. “It will be a tremendous lift for those who get those positions. It is excellent news.”

The positions will all be full time, 40-hours, and while salaries vary according to education and experience, all come with full benefits, McEntee said. The benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) program with a company match. Other benefits such as tuition reimbursements are also available.

“Overall, with added monthly incentives, salary and benefits … it makes a nice employee compensation,” she added.

While selectmen have not been involved in Barclaycard’s plans, it came as positive news to Selectman Russell Black.

“They told us they would try to expand and in these economic times it’s good to add and retain jobs. I’m pleased they are adding jobs in Wilton … and would love to add more,” he said while adding that the board would be willing to work with Barclays, the governor or anyone else to do what it could to help keep jobs in Wilton.

“More jobs just makes the area better and gives more enthusiasm about things going on,” said Joan Reed, manager of the Nichols Group, which owns the Expo.

Because Barclay’s sublets space from the ICT Group, a call center that has made a recent space expansion, Reed was unaware of its intention to increase jobs but thought it was great.

“People love working there,” she said of Barclaycard employees who she has seen in the Expo’s cafe. “They say the benefits are good and it’s a great place to work. Everyone is always happy.”

The CareerCenter in Wilton is setting up interviews in December for applicants and Barclay’s next training class will begin in January. People can call the CareerCenter at 645-5800 to set up an interview, she said.