Over the next three years, as many as 500 new jobs will come to Tampa Bay. Johnson & Johnson, a highly successful and revered medical equipment and pharmaceutical company, announced it will open an 111,000 square foot facility. For operations, at least 500 new jobs will be created with an average annual salary of $75,000.

Reports of new jobs was first revealed to the public back in February when at that time, it was anticipated that 700 positions would be created. Although the number of needed workers has dropped somewhat, 500 new jobs is still fantastic news for the people of Tampa Bay and surrounding areas.

The new facility will not be operational until sometime mid-2016, this according to the governor’s office in the form of a press release. However, Johnson & Johnson will be looking to staff a wide range of positions to include those in finance, information technology, human resources, and procurement.

Johnson & Johnson already has a solid foundation in the state of Florida and as expressed by Erin Champlin, Vice President of Global Services, the new site will build on current successes achieved throughout the state. Champlin also stated that this will increase the company’s overall presence not just in Florida but specifically the community of Tampa Bay.

Following the report from February, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners along with the State of Florida and the Tampa City Council met in March. At that time, a total incentive package valued at almost $6.5 million was reached.

While the exact address for the new facility or dates as to when interested parties can begin submitting resumes and to whom has not been announced, Johnson & Johnson did say the Hidden River Corporate Park in New Tampa will be the home of the new facility.

Obviously, this will help strengthen the Tampa Bay economy but also help a lot of deserving people get back on their feet and advance careers.