Naples-based Arthrex to add 560 jobs in ‘Project Nikita’

NAPLES, Fla. — Medical device manufacturer Arthrex will add 560 jobs and invest more than $63 million in Collier County, Gov. Rick Scott said Tuesday.

The announcement represents the revelation of “Project Nikita,” in which the county gave more than $1 million in incentives to an unidentified company in an effort to lure jobs. Naples-based Arthrex already employs more than 2,200.

“To have a global medical device leader like Arthrex make this kind of investment shows their confidence in Collier County. The ripple effect of Arthrex’s physical expansion and the jobs created contributes greatly to our region’s growing economic strength,” said Kristi Bartlett, vice president of economic development for the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. “This is a prime example of the fruits of having a robust business retention and expansion effort.”

The jobs will come with an average annual salary of $54,000 and average annual benefits of $17,000, according to the governor’s office.

“Arthrex is committed to reinvesting in our community, and the best investment is growing our business right here in Southwest Florida,” said Reinhold Schmieding, president and founder of Arthrex. “This investment will help us expand our research, manufacturing, product development and medical education to help improve the lives of people in Southwest Florida with our company and around the world with our products.”

The company headquarters at at 1370 Creekside Blvd. It’s not immediately clear whether they’ll construct new facilities to house the workers.