AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci is expected to make an announcement Thursday afternoon about an international company that is opening its doors in Franklin County.

The announcement, planned for 2 p.m. in the governor’s office, will be made jointly by Baldacci and the chief operating officer of the company. According to the governor’s staff, the business will bring 50 jobs initially, with plans to expand to 200 once it’s fully operational.

A spokeswoman for the governor said the company was drawn to Maine by its Pine Tree Zone incentives, work force and quality of life. Although it has a U.S. presence, the company has never operated in Maine before, she said.

– Carol Coultas