August 9, 007 -- A Naples-based maker of medical devices will move its manufacturing operations to Ave Maria, bringing hundreds of jobs to the new town that's rising in eastern Collier County. Arthrex plans to purchase 12 acres in Ave Maria, where it will build a new state-of-the art manufacturing plant. The new plant is expected to open in early 2009. The company will not move its main headquarters, located at Creekside Commerce Park off Immokalee Road in North Naples.

Arthrex has offices throughout Europe, Asia, South America and the U.S. It had developed more than 2,000 products for arthroscopic and other orthopaedic surgeries. In a company statement Paul Marinelli, president and CEO of Barron Collier Companies, the managing partner for the town's development, called the deal "an important milestone for Ave Maria. We have just introduced the residential, recreational and retail components of the community, and can now announce the first of the commercial components. It is especially significant that a company as distinguished as Arthrex shares our vision."

Source: Naples Daily News
Source: Factiva