Mercedes Medical Plans Expansion, 47 New Jobs in Bradenton Area

BRADENTON – Mercedes Medical, an international distributor of laboratory and medical products, is expanding its Bradenton area facility and plans to add 47 new jobs over the next five years, according to Sharon Hillstrom, president and chief executive officer of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. (EDC).

The company is leasing and renovating the former Merita Bakery building at 1073 Tallevast Road in South Manatee County to house a 4,800-square-foot call center for telesales. The location is adjacent to Mercedes’ main facility where the company employs 64.

The company’s primary market divisions – Clinical Lab and Histology Lab – serve more than 7,000 customers in labs, hospitals and the physician marketplace throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Mercedes’ sales for 2012 exceeded $25 million.

“Our sales have been growing 10 percent annually, and this expansion will allow us to double our sales force to 50 team members, in addition to adding other support positions,” said Mercedes Chief Executive Officer Alex Miller. “Our goal for 2013 is $30 million in revenue, and $50 million by the end of 2015.”

“The Bradenton Area EDC has worked with Mercedes Medical on the company’s previous growth initiatives,” Hillstrom said. “A fine employer with an impressive track record for both revenue growth and community involvement, Mercedes has proven that the Bradenton area is an excellent location for businesses serving national and international health care markets.

To accelerate Mercedes’ expansion and hiring, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners qualified Mercedes to receive up to $111,000 in performance-based incentives as the company adds 47 quality jobs, at or above 115% of the local area wage of $35,633, over the next five years. The county is also assisting Mercedes with expedited permitting through the rapid response program.

“Performance-based incentives, judiciously applied, are an important tool that the Manatee Board of County Commissioners can use to help spur job creation for local residents,” said Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County administrator. “Whether it’s a business from another state or country, or a local business like Mercedes Medical, Manatee County is ready with solutions in a business-friendly environment that encourages job growth.” A list of Manatee County's economic development incentives is available at www.mymanatee.org/econ_dev.