After consolidating their California manufacturing and R&D operations to Ann Arbor (you heard that right, to Michigan), the U.S. subsidiary of Japan-based Terumo Corporation not only brought $3.5 million in investment here, but now has a total of 125 local employees. That's an average staff increase of 30 percent growth over the last two years.

The global medical device company develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of medical devices used in cardiac and vascular surgery, such as heart-lung machines.

Terumo's line of products have been used in millions of heart surgeries worldwide and are used by surgery teams in nine of the Top 10 U.S. heart hospitals ranked by U.S. News and World Report. The company estimates its products are used in more than 1000 cardiac and vascular surgeries daily, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacements and even heart transplants.

Terumo Heart has just developed its third generation of heart transplant technology called DuraHeart, a blood pump designed for long-term patient support. The technology is currently undergoing clinical trails in the U.S. The company hopes to commercialize the product within two years.

The Japan-based company (founded in 1921) is aiming to maintain double-digit growth with new products while continuing to increase market share in its existing product lines. Last year's annual sales surpassed $3 billion. While in Ann Arbor the firm plans to look at acquisitions and forming partnerships as it expands

• Terumo finishes Ann Arbor HQ expansion, new plant

• Carrie Crabtree