Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), an engineering and technology consultancy, has announced that it is to move 150 jobs to Tennessee.

The company is moving part of its headquarters to the Oak Ridge area of the state and as such roles in finance and human resources will be created.

Explaining why the company has chosen Oak Ridge as the site of the new SAIC centre, senior executive Leo Hazlewood stated: "We were drawn to the Oak Ridge area because of its stable work force, modern telecommunications infrastructure, favourable business environment and attractive quality of life."

Mr Hazlewood noted that SAIC has been an employer in the Oak Ridge area for the past three decades and has "developed a great deal of respect".

Furthermore, while 150 positions will be made available initially, this could rise to 900 by the end of the year.

In related news, a joint venture between Dow Chemical Company and a Kuwaiti oil firm is set to create thousands of jobs in Michigan.