The IT company yesterday confirmed the development as part of a bid to consolidate and build its help desk operations into one regional call centre at Mt Helen.

"IBM is delighted with its operation in Ballarat and I am pleased to confirm that IBM will be hiring in excess of 200 additional people in Ballarat for a variety of roles," a company spokesman said.

"The vast majority of these staff will be hired on a casual or part-time basis."

The expansion, which began in April, is expected to be complete in August.

As part of the development, a number of interstate positions will be moved to Ballarat, but no IBM bases will be forced to close and relocate, the spokesman said.

The move comes after IBM secured a three-year contract extension with Optus in March.

The Ballarat base began with just five staff in 1996 and now employs about 220 people.

"Clients will continue to benefit from excellent services from IBM," the spokesman said.

"The help desk will deliver services to both external and internal IBM clients throughout Australia and parts of Asia Pacific."

The spokesman said the development was part of a "strong relationship" with the University of Ballarat.

University of Ballarat acting vice-chancellor Terry Lloyd welcomed the expansion and acknowledged the work of pro vice-chancellor Robert Hook with IBM.

"We acknowledge the contribution this makes to increased employment opportunities in the IT area for Ballarat," he said. "The contribution that Robert Hook has made epitomises the value that the university places on its

relationship with IBM."