Hiring at a fairly frantic pace, Ryla Inc. is nearly halfway toward reaching its goal of employing 600 people at its Lafayette operations.

And the 600 number might be surpassed, as the company gears up its call center facility that provides customer service.

"If we get the people, we have the jobs. If we get the applicant flow, we could do as much as 700," Mark Wilson, Ryla president and chief executive officer, said following a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the company to the local business community.

"We're really excited about the reputation the community brings -- the work ethic. It puts us in a place where we feel comfortable."

Alorica Inc. opened the call center in August 2009 and acquired Ryla about eight months ago.

Greater Lafayette Commerce sponsored Monday's celebration of the name change of the facility to Ryla, which is holding a job fair this week for potential employees.

"We're always excited when a business comes to our community. Especially those that are hiring," said Resa Hodnett, membership program manager at Greater Lafayette Commerce.

Lafayette resident Lana Fleming was hired by the company during the initial wave of employment on Oct. 4.

"I'm really enjoying it. I just graduated from college and they hired me as an assistant to the trainers," Fleming said. "I'm getting to apply my education to my job."

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski attended Monday's ceremony and said Ryla is helping the city, which had an unemployment rate of 9.2 percent in September, take a "wonderful step" forward.

"This is going to be a great company, a great place to work. As we work to compete in the global economy ... we have to show we have that work force for the future."

Immediate employment opportunities are available for qualified applicants.

"We have (jobs) available now. We're in a position to hire folks today," Wilson said. We'd like to get to 600-plus in the next 30 days. We're open for business and trying to create the 'best job you've ever had.' "