Tool-Flo will add to the development in Pearland's Lower Kirby Urban District.[/caption]

Tool-Flo Manufacturing, Inc. has announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Pearland’s Lower Kirby Urban District, furthering development in the industrial-heavy center.

“I and all of our employees are excited at the opportunity to establish our company’s new headquarters in the city of Pearland,” Tool-Flo President Dennis Flolo said. “We appreciate the city of Pearland’s interest in Tool-Flo, the [Pearland Economic Development Corporation’s] involvement and professionalism in support of our business relocation efforts and everyone making us feel welcome.”

Tool-Flo—which produces tools and products for the oil and gas, automotive, aerospace and medical industries—operates out of Houston.

The new 80,000-square-foot Pearland facility—located on a 15-acre plat at the southeast corner of Kirby Drive and North Spectrum Boulevard—will serve as a manufacturing and training center in addition to headquarters. More than 185 employees ranging from management to operations personnel will work at the new Tool-Flo location, according to the PEDC.

International Metalworking Companies—owned by Berkshire Hathaway—recently acquired Tool-Flo. City of Pearland and PEDC officials began negotiating the project’s deal with IMC earlier this year. Kajima Building and Design Group is designing the site, and IMC is in the process of choosing a contractor, PEDC officials said.

Tool-Flo adds to the businesses located in Lower Kirby, which include Bass Pro Shops, Merit Medical and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor International. Lower Kirby—located near the intersection of Beltway 8 and Hwy. 288—was designated as a priority for development in Pearland’s 2013 comprehensive plan.

“The city of Pearland is excited to welcome a Berkshire Hathaway company such as Tool-Flo to the growing list of employers who have chosen to call Pearland’s Lower Kirby District home,” Pearland Mayor Tom Reid said. “It has been a long-standing goal of the city to develop this area as Pearland’s most intensive mixed-use district, and IMC/Tool-Flo’s selection of Pearland is a testament to our efforts and willingness to work with businesses interested in investing in our city.”