Agero has notified the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation that it will close its Sault Ste. Marie facility as of April 2020.
Jordan Allard, from the city's corporate communications department, says the EDC notified the city of the company's plan.
The call centre began operating in October of 2004 as Cross Country Automotive. The company, which operates 24/7 roadside assistance lines, switched to the Agero brand during a period of expansion in 2011. At the time, the Sault operation was one of the company's largest in North America.
Today's news appears to herald an end to the Sault's call centre industry (with the exception of a small call centre operated by OLG). Sutherland Global Services, which also launched in 2004, vacated its purpose-built EDC-owned facility earlier this year. That site has since been purchased by boat and power-sports retailer North Shore Auto Sports.
Update
Katherine Patty, public relations manager at Agero Inc.’s head office in Boston, Massachusetts, tells SooToday that notice of the Apr. 30, 2020 closure was given today to employees as well as municipal and provincial agencies.
“I know the individuals that have worked for Agero have done amazing work,” Patty said.
“We consider all Agero employees to be heroes, acting every day to help consumers who need roadside assistance.”
“We are thankful for the work of every employee at our Sault Ste. Marie location and will make sure they are properly supported over the next six months.”