MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Medical device maker Covidien (NYSE:COV) got a lot of praise from Florida regulators, who touted Covidien’s plans to establish a new manufacturing facility that will be home to some 165 new workers.
Massachusetts-based Covidien plans to invest about $18 million in capital into a new 62,200 square-foot facility in Hillsborough Country, which should open its doors some time next year.
"We specifically selected Hillsborough County for several reasons, including its talented workforce and the Tampa Bay region’s business climate, economy and quality of life," Covidien vice president and general manager Phil Devlin said in prepared remarks. "Our new facility will not only provide jobs for the local community- it will support Florida’s growing life science industry as well."
The project got high marks from Florida governor Rick Scott, who lauded Covidien’s decision to open an office in the Sunshine State and cited Florida’s business-friendly practices with drawing the medtech giant there.
"After our elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing equipment, job-creating businesses like Covidien are choosing Florida to expand and grow," Scott said. "This announcement is great news and we will continue working hard to provide more jobs and opportunities for Florida families."
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