Fountain Inn-based AVX, a global manufacturer and supplier of electronic and interconnect components, said Thursday it plans to expand its operations and add new jobs to the area.

The $14 million expansion over the next few years will create 279 new jobs, the company announced. Additionally, 150 jobs are expected to relocate to Greenville County from AVX’s Myrtle Beach area operations. 

"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," Kurt Cummings, chief financial officer of AVX, said in a release. 

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 company said.

AVX is an international supplier of electronic passive components and interconnect solutions with 24 manufacturing and customer support facilities in 15 countries around the world. The company produces and supplies a range of devices including capacitors, resistors, filters, timing and circuit protection devices, and connectors. 

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $6.8 billion in capital investment and more than 16,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector. 

"Our manufacturing renaissance continues to gain steam with investments like this one from AVX," said state Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt. "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." 

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