(RALEIGH) -- Citrix, a provider of remote connection and networking technologies plans an expansion in Raleigh that will create 337 jobs over the next five years. The company will invest $12.5 million in the project.

Gov. Bev Perdue confirmed that the project was made possible in part by a state grant from the Job Development Investment Grant. Citrix could realize as much as $8.65 million in maximum benefits. The company must meet certain job creation and investment targets to receive the funds.

“The fact that Citrix chose to expand in North Carolina is a result of our educated and skilled workforce and our world-class business climate,” said Perdue.

In October 2011, Citrix acquired ShareFile, a Raleigh-based technology company, and through that acquisition, formed the data sharing division. ShareFile is in the fast growing cloud services market.

“Raleigh has been home to ShareFile since its inception in 2005. As a hub for prestigious universities and a well-established tech community, we are excited to find new local talent to join our company,” said Jesse Lipson, VP & GM, Data Sharing at Citrix.

Citrix, already employs 130 people in Raleigh.