Bank of the West announced today that it is rapidly expanding its commercial banking team in 2013 to meet increased demand for its products and services. Following a strong 2012 in which its commercial and industrial loans grew 20%, Bank of the West intends to add 50 team members to its National Banking Division this year to support growth among middle-market companies.

Bank of the West said it is adding bankers in a number of metropolitan markets, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, Denver and Chicago. As part of the growth initiative, the bank intends to open new commercial banking offices this year in several key metropolitan markets.