Avtec Inc., a communications technology company, will invest $6.1 million to expand to a new facility in Lexington County, South Carolina, with plans to initially hire two dozen workers and eventually employ more than 100 people in the next few years.

Moving into the new Lexington facility will allow Avtec to expand its business operations, which includes hardware and software development and manufacturing, South Carolina Economic Development officials said. The company exports its systems worldwide, and provides product training to more than 20 customers each month from its existing facility in Gilbert, S.C. The new building will feature expanded state-of-the-art training facilities, a world-class technology infrastructure and enhanced employee amenities including a fitness center. Its proximity to Interstate 20 will provide visitors with convenient access to hotels, restaurants and Columbia Metropolitan Airport, officials added.

"We are excited to grow our business in South Carolina. Avtec was founded here in Lexington County over 30 years ago, and the community has been a great fit for our company. There is an excellent business environment, a skilled and dedicated workforce, and it's just a great place to live and work," said Michael Branning, president of Avtec. "We appreciate all the support we've received from state, county and local officials."

"Our plan is to continue hiring talented professionals who can help us meet our customers' demand for Avtec's dispatching consoles. Our new location will allow us to attract more professionals from the greater Columbia area. Through steady growth, we expect to employ over 100 people within the next few years," Branning explained.

Avtec plans to construct a 46,000-square-foot office building in Lexington County, near South Lake Drive and Glassmaster Blvd. The new facility, with an expected completion date in 2013, will anchor a new business park near the Town of Lexington, South Carolina

"It's exciting to see another one of our state's existing businesses choose to grow here. We celebrate Avtec's decision to make a multi-million dollar investment in Lexington and contribute to the area's growth. Making sure South Carolina's business climate remains strong is a top priority for this administration," said Gov. Nikki Haley. Incentives offered the firm were not immediately available.

"The Town of Lexington is honored to be the new home for Avtec. They hold an esteemed presence in our community and provide quality products to industry services such as airlines, railway, utilities and government. We look forward to Avtec expanding their customer base as a result of their new state-of-the-art location," said Lexington Mayor Randy Halfacre.

"Having home-grown companies that continue to expand time and time again is testament to the business climate that exists here in Central South Carolina. Avtec produces a complex and innovative product that requires a specialized skill set and they have found Lexington County as a location that meets their needs. We congratulate Avtec Inc. on this expansion and important milestone for the founders and employees," said Mike Briggs, president and CEO Central South Carolina Alliance.