The expansion of Baton Rouge, La.-based, national roofing contractor Jasper Contractors Inc. to Phoenix will bring more than 300 new jobs to the area. 

The expansion of Baton Rouge, La.-based, national roofing contractor Jasper Contractors Inc. to Phoenix will bring more than 300 new jobs to the area. Jasper executives hope the new jobs will offer some relief to Arizona’s economy – especially since the state unemployment rate reached 9.4 percent in November, which continued a 20-month streak of 9 percent or higher dating back to April 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Having already interviewed more than 80 candidates, Jasper representatives will continue to conduct interviews and host job fairs until its hiring goal has been met. Jasper currently has two job fairs scheduled for Phoenix in early 2011 - Jan. 20 and Feb. 24 - after recently hosting two successful fairs in November 2010.

New positions range from office staff, construction and installation personnel to sales representatives. Pay varies by position and ranges from hourly rates to salaries that can exceed $150,000 annually.

“These will be employees - not subcontractors; not independent sales people; and not 1099 positions - so the city and state will see immediate benefits through payroll taxes,” said Brian Wedding, CEO of Jasper. “Skilled, entry-level construction workers will be the main focus of our hiring. We want to attract all the skilled construction workers we can during the housing industry downturn to be ready for an inevitable upturn in new housing markets. We are looking forward to 2011.”

Jasper’s expansion comes at a time when Phoenix-area residents may need help from roof repair experts more than ever before. In early October, an extremely violent hail storm that ripped through Phoenix and surrounding communities caused considerable damage to roofs – and a sudden swell in insurance claims.

 “Jasper works with both insurance adjustment firms and property owners,” Wedding said. “We guide property owners through the claims process to ensure accuracy and efficiency.”

Along with more than 300 new jobs, Jasper helps stimulate local economies by utilizing small businesses for services including advertising and the purchasing of construction materials.

“Our Phoenix truck fleet will consist of more than 100 vehicles - all of which require fuel, maintenance and drivers,” Wedding says. “The construction industry helps a variety of other local businesses, and we look forward to help putting Phoenix-area residents to work.”

For more information call 800-610-9403 or visit www.JasperRoof.com.