A chemical firm is announcing plans to expand its operations in Savannah.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Arizona Chemical is planning to build a 27,000-square-foot science and technology center on its existing corporate campus in Savannah.

Paul Williams, director of science and technology for Arizona Chemical in Savannah, made the announcement Tuesday at the Savannah Economic Development Authority board meeting.

Groundbreaking for the facility will take place in March, with expected completion in December.

Williams said the Savannah science and technology center now employs 51 chemists, and officials expect to eventually to hire between 10 and 20 more.

The company, a bio-refiner of pine chemicals, has a total of 202 employees in Savannah.

Tags: expansion, Savannah, chemical company, arizona chemical