Client Services Inc. will spend $3.43 million to open a collections and receivables management center in Lenexa in March that will employ 160 to 180 people.

Client Services, based in St. Charles, Mo., said it will expand the operation to about 220 employees within 12 months. The 18,000-square-foot office is at College Corporate Meadows, 14425 College Blvd. in Lenexa.

“We are especially pleased that we are able to create quality jobs during these challenging economic times,” Client Services CEO Brad Franta said in a release.

The average pay for an entry-level collector is between $29,943 and $32,182.

Franta said in the release that the search process was extensive and that Kansas City emerged as clearly the best option. The Lenexa site was selected after a nationwide search that included cities in New York, Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania.

“The site selected was a very good design and overall fit for our business,” said Michael Van Horn, director of human resources for Client Services. “The close proximity to St. Charles was a fact that we considered. The strong Midwest work ethic played a part in our decision-making process.”

Blake Schreck, president of the Lenexa Economic Development Council, said Client Services is fast-tracking the opening. He said that one reason it selected the building at College Corporate Meadows was because it was near-ready for the company to occupy.

Van Horn said that the building is very similar to offices the company has in St. Charles and that Client Services is designing the interior to duplicate those offices.

The Lenexa operation will focus on providing collections for large national and multinational banks and financial institutions, Van Horn said. Strong client demand is driving the expansion.