WINSTON-SALEM — BB&T Corp. says it will create 1,700 new jobs over five years in a large back-office operation near Piedmont Triad International Airport.

The bank said Tuesday it has signed a seven-year sublease to take over a former American Express Co. call center in Greensboro.

The company says its Triad Corporate Center eventually will have up to 2,500 employees, mostly working in back office, administrative and support functions.

The company says it will begin moving into the new location by the end of the year, with up to 100 employees.

Chief Operating officer Chris Hensen says the new location will give BB&T space for expansion.

Henson says the bank did not request and was not given any economic-development incentives for the project.