The Associated Press

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - ConocoPhillips Inc. plans to add 750 new jobs to its Bartlesville operations over the next two years.

"These jobs mean more growth and a stronger economy in Bartlesville," City Manager Ed Gordon said Monday. "Those people will add to the quality of life in our community."

ConocoPhillips Chief Executive Officer Jim Mulva said another 250 jobs will be moving to Bartlesville by the end of 2007 as a result of the company's recently announced purchase of Burlington Resources.

Eight months ago, the company pledged to move 500 jobs to Bartlesville by the end of 2006 as part of its effort to consolidate its Global Systems and Services operations.

ConocoPhillips currently employs about 2,800 people in Bartlesville, including about 500 contractors. The number is about the same as just before Conoco and Phillips merged in early 2002. When both recent restructuring moves are completed, ConocoPhillips is expected to employ more than 3,400 in Bartlesville.

"When they did the merger, there was a fear that they would shrink the employment here," said Jim Fram, president of the Bartlesville Area Chamber of Commerce. "There was an adjustment of the types of jobs they had here, but the employment numbers never really suffered."

The change in job types seemingly has affected all of Bartlesville, as companies such as Siemens, ABB Totalflow and Client Logic have added hundreds of high-tech jobs to the community.

"Good news feeds on good news," Fram said. "While some of these companies are related to the energy industry, some are not. But all are primarily IT (information technology) functions, accounting, engineering and related segments. Even though the missions of the companies are separate, those are similar job positions, and they end up attracting a similar employee."

The jobs have created a housing boom in the community, Gordon said. Nearly 1,400 housing lots are in various stages of development. More than 100 homes have been completed over the past two months, he said.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com