Area Development
Illinois-based Ferris Manufacturing will spend $5.5 million on a new headquarters office and medical product manufacturing/distribution center to be located in Fort Worth, TX, according to an announcement by Gov. Rick Perry. The relocation project, expected to eventually create 100 jobs, will be supported by $450,000 from the Texas Enterprise Fund and a job-performance tax abatement (worth about $50,000) from the city.

Founded in 1977, privately owned Ferris is a producer/distributor of wound care dressings, diaper rash pads and related products focused on the healing process sold worldwide.

"We are excited that our future innovations in the medical field will take place in Texas," said Ferris CEO Roger Sessions. "PolyMem wound care dressings are the best in the world, and Texas has the best business climate in the world, so this is a win for both Ferris and Texas. The support we received from state and local leaders made us certain that Texas is the place for our business to grow."

David Berzina with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce said the company's presence "will further reinforce our city's reputation as a leader in biomedical solutions." Sen. Jane Nelson added that this relocation "will spur innovation for our health care system and for Texas' life science industry."