news-record.com

Greensboro-based RF Micro Devices will add 350 jobs during the next four years and invest $118 million to expand its Guilford County campus and open a smaller facility in Iredell County.

The company considered several sites, including expanding a plant it owns in China, before deciding to grow in North Carolina, according to a news release.

"This is RF Micro Devices' fourth major facility in Guilford County in the 16 years since it opened," Gov. Mike Easley said. "The company's sustained ability to grow in our state shows that we are providing the skilled workforce that businesses need and the kind of helpful business climate that allows them to succeed."

RF Micro Devices manufactures radio frequency integrated circuits for global wireless communications industries.

The company plans a $103 million expansion in Greensboro that will create 300 new jobs and bring RF Micro Devices' total Guilford County employment to more than 2,200 workers. In addition, it plans to build a smaller $15 million facility in Mooresville that will employ 50 workers.

The majority of the new jobs will be skilled manufacturing positions. While individual pay will vary depending on duties and job responsibilities, the overall average for the jobs will be more than $42,000 a year not including benefits. This is more than both the Guilford County average of $35,672 and the Iredell County average of $33,124, not including benefits.

A North Carolina economic development committee agreed Friday to award $4.25 million to RF Micro for the job expansion.

For more information about the company or possible job opportunities, visit the RFMD website at http://www.rfmd.com.