Merit Medical Systems, an American-based global medical device company, will build a new 118,000-sq.-ft R&D manufacturing facility on a 12-acre site in Pearland, Texas. When complete, the two-story building near Shadow Creek Ranch will have space for up to 220 employees. Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin mid-October.

Headquartered in South Jordan, Utah, Merit develops, manufactures and distributes proprietary disposable medical devices used in interventional and diagnostic procedures (i.e., cardiology, radiology and endoscopy). It serves hospitals worldwide, and employs about 2,300 associates.

The company conducted a multi-state site search before choosing Pearland for its new project. "We wanted to be part of a community that was growing," said Greg Fredde, Merit's VP of government affairs. "This is a location that provides Merit employees easy access to the facility with minimal disruptions. Pearland's investments, infrastructure and retail amenities will also be beneficial to employees."

Pearland Mayor Tom Reid said Merit is the second medical manufacturing facility to choose to locate in Pearland, and follows on the heels of Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. "It has been a long-standing goal of the City to cultivate a broad spectrum of medical-related organizations in our community. Merit's selection of Pearland is a testament to our efforts and willingness to work with businesses interested in investing in our city."