MANILA, Philippines – Outsourcing firm Convergys is looking to expand its operations in the near-term and add at least 4,500 more workers in the Philippines, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

The Cincinnati-based firm currently employs around 18,000 workers in the country located in 12 contact center facilities in Metro Manila and other provinces.

Convergys said it needs to ramp up its operations and surpass its target of 20,000 agents in the Philippines by February 2010.

“Filipino agents continue to deliver superior relationship management services on behalf of our clients and that’s why there’s a global demand for their expertise,” said Marife Zamora, Convergys vice president and country manager.

Convergys recently inaugurated its newest facility located at Glorietta 5 in Makati City, its largest facility in the Philippines housing more than 2,000 seats.