(RALEIGH) -- United Technologies Corp. will create 325 jobs over the next five years and invest at least $4 million with a planned an expansion in Charlotte. Gov. Bev Perdue confirmed on Wednesday that the project was made possible in part by state grants from the Job Development Investment Grant and the One North Carolina Fund.

“We know we have the skilled workforce and first rate business climate that United Technologies needs to thrive and grow in North Carolina,” said Perdue.

The Job Development Investment Grant could yield the company as much as $16.5 million if certain job creation and and investment targets are met. UTC would also get $2.5 million from the state’s One North Carolina Fund.

“UTC is extremely pleased to be expanding its footprint in North Carolina with the leadership team for its Aerospace Systems business,” said Alain M. Bellemare, President and Chief Operating Officer of UTC Propulsion and Aerospace Systems. “With the continued growth of global air travel, Charlotte will serve as a strategic centerpoint for our operations as we position the company to meet this demand.”

United Technologies currently employs more than 1,500 people in 13 separate sites throughout North Carolina. The company is in the process of acquiring Goodrich Corporation, a global aerospace manufacturer with corporate headquarters in Charlotte.