ANNISTON, Alabama -- International Automotive Components dedicated an expansion of its Anniston manufacturing plant - a doubling of the facility which company officials say will result in about 350 employees being hired over the next two years.

The IAC plant, in the former Fort McClellan property off Pappy Dunn Boulevard, now occupies 262,000 square feet after expanding by 126,000 square feet. With the new hires expected through 2016, the plant will eventually employ about 500, company officials said.

IAC produces molded plastic instrument panels, door panels, flooring and acoustics and interior trim systems for several automobile companies, including Nissan, Honda, Hyundai/Kia and Mercedes, among others.

"This expansion hopefully reflects not just a bright future for our company but also the community," said Nick Skwiat, senior director of operations.

The expansion is the latest move for IAC, which over the last two years has expanded into South Africa, China, India and Europe, opening locations and plants. The company has also increased its manufacturing capacity in North America, making it the largest singularly focused supplier of automotive interiors in the world, officials said.

The plant expansion means the plant will be able to take on new jobs and new technology as well as hiring new employees, Skwiat said.

"The community was extremely interested in working with us," he said. "Local government worked with us to help us through the different challenges of expansion."

The Anniston City Council earlier this year approved a tax abatement for the $22 million plant expansion.