ODESSA, Fla. – Pasco County commissioners approved an incentive package Tuesday to help TouchPoint Medical, Inc. set up its global headquarters and American operations facility at the intersection of State Road 54 and Suncoast Pkwy.

  • Manufacturer to open in Pasco County
  • Employee wages to exceed county average by 150 percent
  • Construction expected to begin later this year

''It just shows the tremendous investment and job growth that we’re having in Pasco, and you will continue to see that more and more,'' said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Wells.

TouchPoint makes automated medication dispensing equipment and mobile carrier systems.

President and CEO Brian McNeill said the company plans to close facilities, including in Oldsmar and near Atlanta, and relocate them to Odessa.

That’s expected to bring a total of 228 jobs – 116 of them new positions – to Pasco.

According to the Pasco Economic Development Council, the expected average wages for those employees will exceed the countywide average by 150 percent.

''It demonstrates the quality of our talent, our workforce, and, of course, our pro-business government,'' said EDC President and CEO Bill Cronin.

Cronin noted that while incentives can help make a deal like this, that can’t be the only draw.

What draws us to any area is, specifically, the ability to attract and retain great people. In order to do that, you need a strong educational system.

''We are highly dependent upon technical talent'' said McNeill, who noted the university system in the Tampa area and manufacturing feeder programs as benefits.

TouchPoint’s move to Pasco is expected to contribute $125 million to the county’s gross domestic product during a four-year period, according to Cronin.

McNeill said construction is expected to begin later this year.