Evolutionary algorithms such as genetic algorithms have proven effective for finding favorable solutions to facility layout problems. In this paper, a hybrid genetic algorithm called the memetic search is presented for layout design in pre-specified and equal-area facility sites with the objective of minimizing material handling costs. The proposed approach is compared to heuristic simulated annealing, which has been successfully applied for the solution of combinatorial problems. The performance of the memetic search is authenticated through eight classical testing problems in which it yielded results of equal or better quality for each.