British-based Synergy Health, a provider of specialist healthcare services, will relocate its corporate headquarters for the Americas region to the SunTrust building in downtown Tampa, Florida. The phased relocation will include 100 existing employees and create approximately 40 jobs in Hillsborough County within the next 12 months.

The firm provides sterilization services to hospitals in Europe, Asia and across America for surgical instruments and reusable OR textiles, as well as sterilization services for medical devices. In 2012, the company acquired SRI Surgical, and in April 2013 announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters for the Americas from San Diego to Tampa Bay.

“This move to downtown Tampa is part of our plan to become more involved in the Tampa Bay community,” said Dr. Richard Steeves, Group CEO and Founder of Synergy Health. “The new location also makes business easier and more convenient for our international colleagues, with increased proximity to Tampa International Airport.”

The decision to establish a presence downtown also reflects Synergy Health’s efforts to engage in activities that promote innovation and growth in the life sciences industry, including the MediFuture initiative launched by the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation earlier this year, local economic development officials said.

“Synergy Health will play a key role in our efforts to position Tampa Bay as the epicenter of disruptive innovation in healthcare,” said David Pizzo, Economic Development Corp. Chair and Market President, West Florida Region for Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company. “Their ongoing partnership with MediFuture and other regional life sciences initiatives will help us lay the groundwork for future success in this emerging area of opportunity.”

“We’re working to create an active, vibrant downtown that serves as a hub of innovation and commerce,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “Synergy Health’s decision to become part of our downtown community is more proof that our efforts are paying off. I look forward to welcoming the company and its employees to downtown Tampa.”