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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- A New Orleans defense contractor plans to open a South Carolina operation that will create at least 40 jobs.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that Geocent LLC said Monday it will set up an office at the old Charleston Naval Base in North Charleston next month.

Geocent says its expansion will primarily support the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic in Hanahan, providing information technology, engineering, and other technical services.