A manufacturer and supplier of electronic and interconnect components, AVX, will invest $14 million to increase its manufacturing and research operations in Greenville, South Carolina, with improvements estimated to generate 279 jobs in the next several years.

"Increasing manufacturing and research operations at our global Headquarters facility in Fountain Inn, near Greenville, is an important step for our company's growth. These new operations will allow us to expand our worldwide activity and broaden our product offering. We appreciate the support we've received from state and local officials as well as representatives of Duke Energy," said Kurt Cummings, chief financial officer of AVX.

AVX, which relocated its corporate headquarters to Fountain Inn in 2009, will complete renovations at the former Mita building located in Southchase Industrial Park to accommodate the increased activity, the South Carolina Department of Commerce said.

Investments like this one show that our state provides an environment where companies can grow and prosper. We remain committed to strengthening our state's business-friendly climate," said Gov. Nikki Haley.

"Our manufacturing renaissance continues to gain steam with investments like this one from AVX. Manufacturing is the key component to wealth creation in South Carolina and these jobs will have impact in the Upstate," said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

"It's great to have AVX expanding in the Greenville area," said H. G. "Butch" Kirven, Greenville Area Development Corporation board member and chairman of Greenville County Council. "This is an international company that will strengthen our technology-based advanced manufacturing sector, opening new opportunities for individuals and other businesses alike. We appreciate the assistance of Duke Energy and AdvanceSC in making this happen. The spotlight on the Upstate shines brighter with this announcement."

The company's decision was, in part, based on business inducements from state and the county incentive packages, including; a $500,000 Closing Fund grant for building improvements, job development credits, as well as tax abatements from the county.