144 Companies Shrink from Calif. This Year – Three Times the Total for All of 2009

See Oct. 12 update: California Companies Moving Away or Shifting Work Out Reaches New High: 158 (for 2010 alone).

The pace of businesses disinvesting in California has accelerated. In a period just shy of the first three quarters of this year, 144 companies have engaged in California Disinvestment Events – nearly three times the level detected for all of 2009.

Quite clearly, the exodus of businesses out of California continues. It makes sense for companies to reduce their California footprint considering the ample supply of attractive, lower-cost alternative locations. Unless California reduces its hostility toward business, we will see more commercial enterprises seeking friendlier locations in which to relocate entirely or at least place facilities there that used to be located here.

Sept. 23 update: See additional commentary related to this post at Fox & Hounds Daily, which focuses on California business and politics.

The figures reflect company events found in public domain information only. The real exodus of companies from California is probably incalculable because so many are implemented without public notice.

Defining “California Disinvestment Events”

Before getting into specifics, please note that this section, Part I, portrays California Disinvestment Events, which are companies that:

• Move complete HQ’s, factories, R&D labs, and other facilities out of state
• Close a facility completely – no relocation – while those jobs migrate to out-of-state competitors who gain business formerly in California
• Close only part of a facility and move it to one or more places elsewhere
• Keep their HQ here but deflect substantial capital into facilities elsewhere that in prior years would have been located in California
• Threaten to leave the state but have not yet done so
• Cancelled plans to move to California

Also, Rankings and Caveats follow in separate blog postings as follows:

• Part II: Examples of Companies Excluded from Disinvestment Event Listings
• Part III: County-by-County Losses for California Disinvestment Events
• Part IV: States, Countries That Gain from California Disinvestment Events
• Part V: California Disinvestment Events by Category or Type
• Part VI: Why California Disinvestment Events Are Greatly Understated
• More information about events listed as “Reported Here Earlier” can be found at my July 15 entry "Calif. Business Exodus 'Explodes' in 1st Half – Total Higher than Entire Previous Year" or earlier by searching the blog for a company's name.

Here is a county-by-county account since January 2009:

ALAMEDA COUNTY

2010 Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 6

Group4 Labs Inc. of Fremont, a maker of advanced nanoelectronics devices, will expand in a new R&D center in Salina, New York, near Syracuse. The company will put seven employees in a converted GE lab with plans to grow. The job loss isn't as important as what it says about California's slipping grip on high-technology efforts. Felix Ejeckam, Group4's CEO and co-founder, said in the Syracuse Post-Standard on the support received there: “If you want to go into the oil business, this isn’t your place. If you want to go into entertainment, this isn’t your place. If you want to go into nanoscale, this is where you want to come to.” The center is a partnership with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany. See the Sept. 9, 2010 story: "Nanotechnology research center on Lockheed Martin campus in Salina gets its second tenant." Also see Greater Binghamton Business Journal: "Silicon Valley company will bring workers to CNY." This group calls itself a fabless "extreme materials" company with a composite semiconductor wafer that rapidly dissipates heat in many applications. See more about its GaN-on-Diamond epitaxial wafer system at the company's website. (CD-OSG)

Johnson Controls Inc. was set to close its Livermore plant on March 25 where 321 people made seats and overhead consoles for the NUMMI auto plant. See the Plasticsnews.com story: "NUMMI suppliers preparing to shut down." An inquiry to Johnson Controls for more information was not answered. (CLO)

MaxID Corp. will move its HQ from Pleasanton to Fairfax, Virginia., while it also expands facilities in Chesapeake, Va. The company is in the identity credentialing market with offices in the U.K. and South Africa. It has joint offerings with business-related software companies such as Axway of Phoenix, maintains a global R&D team and distributes its biometric handheld devices worldwide. See: "MaxID Corp to Shift Corporate Headquarters to Washington, DC Area and Expands footprint in Virginia." (RELO-OS)

TG Automotive Sealing Inc., in Hayward, part of Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. of Japan, which supplied the NUMMI plant with thermoplastic and rubber seals, closed July 1 and 204 jobs were lost. See Plasticsnews.com story: "NUMMI suppliers preparing to shut down." (CLO)

Vermillion, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company, will relocate its HQ from Fremont to Austin, Texas, but will continue R&D in California. Other functions will be split between Austin and Fremont. "This move allows us to take advantage of Austin's strong talent pool and cost-effective environment to continue to build the company into a leading provider of novel, high-value diagnostic tests," said CEO Gail S. Page. Vermillion was once called Ciphergen Inc. The move should be completed in September 2010. See: “Vermillion Announces Relocation of Corporate Offices to Austin, Texas.” (RELO-OS)

Wingard Quality Supply of Fremont is moving its HQ and operations to Chattanooga, Tenn., where it will handle tire and wheel assembly for Volkswagens. Wingard will service the NMS (New Midsize Sedan), now in the prototype and testing sage. According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the company will hire 25 employees as VW plans to begin manufacturing in its $1 billion Chattanooga plant. See the Aug. 6 story, "Wingard identified as latest supplier to be at VW supplier park." Wingard, a certified minority-owned manufacturing supplier, also has a plant in Lafayette, Indiana. (RELO-OS)

2010 Alameda County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 5
- APL (RELO-OS)
- CalStar Products Inc. (CD-OSG)
- FormFactor, Inc. (CD-OSG)
- Smart Business Advisory & Consulting (RELO-OS)
- New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) Plant – Toyota / GM joint venture (CLO and RELO-OS but counted as one event)

2009 Alameda County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1
- TTM Technologies, Inc. (CLO)

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

2010 Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 2

Bell-Carter Foods, Inc., based in Lafayette – the country's largest producer of table olives (Lindsay brands) – opened a 65,000-square-foot plant in Phoenix in May for gift-basket preparation and has about 100 employees there. See the Arizona Republic: "California on mind of Arizona leaders." (CD-OSG)

RiteMade Paper Converters, Inc. will move its Richmond, Calif., manufacturing and distributing facility to Reno. Stephen Schwartz, CEO, explained, “While our current facility has served our company and customers well for over 40 years, economic and business conditions have changed." He said Reno was selected due to Nevada’s favorable business environment and availability of high quality commercial real estate. The move will begin in January 2011. RiteMade is a 100% employee owned company. See the news release: “RiteMade to Relocate West Coast Plant.” (RELO-OS)

2009 Contra Costa County Known Events Reported Earlier: 1

- Pacer Stacktrain, Inc. (RELO-OS)

KERN COUNTY

2010 Kern County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1

- William Bolthouse Farms Inc. (CLO)

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

2010 Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 7

Boeing will transfer about 550 jobs from Long Beach to facilities in Oklahoma City starting in early 2011 and completed by the end of 2012. Some workers will be relocated while other positions will be filled in Oklahoma at a Boeing facility located near Tinker Air Force Base. See the Orange County Register Aug. 2, 2010, story, “Boeing cutting 800 Long Beach jobs."Los Angeles Times reported that “'The customer told us to be more affordable,' Boeing spokesman Forrest Gossett said. 'This is one way we can do that.'” See: "Boeing to relocate two key defense programs from Long Beach to Oklahoma City." Mark Bass, VP of the Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades division, said, "Making a decision like this is never easy, but as we reviewed our anticipated operating costs for the next several years, it became clear that Boeing needs to take major actions on these programs in order to remain affordable for our customers." See the news release: “Boeing Relocating C-130 AMP, B-1 Program to Oklahoma City." Also, here is an excellent Sept. 13, 2010 article in The Atlantic entitled, "Why Oklahoma City Could Represent the Future of America." A story in the Oklahoman on Nov. 2, 2010 said, "Several hundred of the 550 engineering jobs that Boeing plans to move from Long Beach, Calif., to Oklahoma City likely will be hired here." (RELO-OS)

Cord Blood America moved its HQ’d from Santa Monica to Las Vegas in early 2010. It’s the parent company of CorCell, which facilitates umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation for expectant parents and their children. The Las Vegas Review-Journal quoted CEO Matt Schissler as saying easy airport access, shipping logistics and tax abatements were attractive features. He added: "We have found a work force that is talented and eager to help a small company grow into an international powerhouse.” The company will employ about 75 workers by year's end in what could be the nation's largest cryogenic storage center and stem-cell lab. See: "Nevada needs more than low taxes to lure businesses.” (RELO-OS)

Cyberread.com, a Los Angeles-based e-book start-up, moved when founder Clint Brauer returned to his native Kansas. In the Wichita Eagle, Brauer said entrepreneurs on the coasts would find the Midwest’s more relaxed pace and lower costs to be appealing. See: "High-tech business looks to grow on the prairie." He told me, "I run a virtual company and can be anywhere. I can hire more affordable talent here and we also have growth in investment sources in Kansas." Indeed, the national Angel Capital Association is based not in Silicon Valley but in Overland Park, Kansas, and its new chair is Catherine Mott from Western Pennsylvania, which reinforces the "portability" of start-ups and investors. More on cyberread is here; to see the membership list for the Angel Capital Association go here; and for information on ACA's new chair, go to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story "Angel investor looks for 'coachable' firms." (RELO-OS)

DIRECTV, headquartered in El Segundo, is creating a Virginia call center in collaboration with a customer service company, Convergys, that will create 100 jobs. Employees will be drawn from Virginia’s New River Valley, “aCorridor” ("a" is for "access"), and “e-Region.” Area Development Online quoted a senior VP at DIRECTV that “We chose this area of Virginia for its strong work ethic and robust broadband infrastructure that is essential to support a virtual call center." The employees will be trained online and work from home. See: "DIRECTV Creates 100 Virtual Jobs in Virginia." (Also, see this blog’s July 15th entry where DIRECTTV also created jobs in Iowa.) (CD-OSG)

Mercury Paper Inc. moved its North American HQ from Santa Fe Springs to co-locate it with an expanding paper-products plant in Strasburg, Virginia. Its parent company, Sinar Mas Group, is a conglomerate HQ’d in Shanghai and state officials said it’s the largest-ever investment in Virginia by a Chinese-owned manufacturer. The Richmond Times-Dispatch said “low operating costs” was a factor in the decision behind the $21.2 million project. About 150 jobs will be created; it isn’t known how many would be relocated from California. See the March 19, 2010 story "Chinese-owned paper company growing in Shenandoah." (Accessed through NewsBank, subscription required.) The company says at its website here that the facility is on a 15-acre site with a “stunning view” of the mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. (OSR and CD-OSG)

Momentum Mobile, a mobile application development and design company founded in 2008 in Los Angeles, is putting its HQ in Tampa, Florida, which the company calls “a growing hot spot for software development firms.” According to Founder & CEO Christopher Young, the expansion will allow increased capacity, more focus on increasing development for the Android operating system and iPhone applications. See the July 31, 2010, news release, "Mobile Marketing Firm Makes Big Move." (CD-OSG)

Rich Product Corp. closed its Claremont processing plant after nearly 40 years. The San Bernardino Sun reported that the company, a nondairy whipped-topping producer, folded production into other U.S. sites: "About 25 employees lost their positions with the closure, although some took advantage of the Buffalo, N.Y.-based company's offer to transfer to another facility. . . . The company ceased operations at the end of April and moved out at the end of June." See the August 23, 2010 story: "Claremont looks to replace Rich." (CLO)

2010 Los Angeles County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 20
- Abraxis Health (CD-OSG)

- APL (RELO-OS)

- Banker's Toolbox (RELO-OS)

- Cereplast Inc. (RELO-OS)

- CODA (CD-OSG)

- Creators Syndicate (RELO-OST)

- Digital Domain (CD-OSG)

- Dimensional Fund Advisors (RELO-OS)

- DIRECTV (CD-OSG)

- Harman International Industries, Inc. (RELO-OS)

- Hino Motors Manufacturing USA Inc. (RELO-OS)

- LegalZoom.com Inc. (RELO-OST)

- Northrop Grumman (RELO-OS)

- Pixel Magic (CD-OSG)

- Precor Inc. (RELO-OS)

- Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RELO-OS)

- Redbarn Pet Products (RELO-OS)

- Ryder Integrated Logistics (RELO-OS)

- Structured Solutions Inc. (RELO-OS)

- Unilever PLC (RELO-OS)

2009 Los Angeles County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 12

- Cessna Aircraft Co. (RELO-OS)

- DaVita Inc. (RELO-OS)

- English Language Institute/China (RELO-OS)

- Gregg Industries (CLO)

- Hawker Beechcraft Services (RELO-OS)

- Hilton Hotels Corp. (HQ) (RELO-OS)

- Klaussner Home Furnishings (CLO)

- LinkIt Software Corp. (CLO)

- Medtronic (CD-OSG)

- Pandemic Studios (CLO)

- TTM Technologies, Inc. (CLO)

- Twentieth Century Props (CLO)

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MERCED COUNTY

2010 Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 2

Arvin Sango, Inc. closed its Merced plant in April after nearly 15 years of supplying car and truck parts to the now-closed NUMMI plant. The Modesto Bee reported that 60 employees lost their jobs and workers disassembled gear and shipped it to Madison, Wis., where it will be used to supply parts for a Toyota plant in Texas. Arvin Sango is a joint venture between EMCON Technologies of Troy, Michigan and Sango Company, Limited, of Japan. See the April 10, 2010, story "Parts Plant Wraps it Up -- Last Day for Workers at Merced NUMMI Supplier." (NewsBank subscription required.) It appears that its plants in Madison, Indiana, and Campbellsburg, Kentucky, remain in operation. (CLO and RELO-OS)

Pepsi Beverages Company will close its Merced plant Dec. 8. The Merced Sun-Star said the facility employs 42 people and "was named Best Place to Work in 2009. See the Sept. 14, 2010 story: "Merced Pepsi plant closing." (CLO)

2010 Merced County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1
- Malibu Boats (RELO-OS)
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NEVADA COUNTY
2009 County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1
- Modern Living (RELO-OSR)
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ORANGE COUNTY

2010 Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 9

Boeing will close its Irvine helicopter facility and transfer production to Mesa, Arizona. Work will stop on the A160 Hummingbird program by the end of 2011 and about 160 positions will be cut. Some workers will be offered jobs in Mesa or other operations. The Orange County Register"Boeing ships 160 Irvine jobs to Arizona." (RELO-OS) reported, “Abe Karem, owner and chief engineer of Karem Aircraft in Lake Forest, developed the A160 Hummingbird before selling his then-company, Frontier Systems Inc., to Boeing in 2004.” See:

Kennametal Inc. in Placentia will close by October and transfer work to Arkansas, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The Orange County Register reported that the plant manufactures energy-related products including oil well drilling parts and that 40 jobs will be lost. Under a different owner, the facility had once carried the name A-1 Carbide. See the Aug. 17, 2010 story: “O.C. manufacturer moves back east.” (CLO and RELO-OS)

Latex International, a Connecticut-based maker of foam mattress components, will close its La Mirada plant in December 2010 and consolidate work in a new 100,000 sq. ft. facility in Wichita Falls, Texas. The Orange County Register, relaying a report from a trade publication, Furniture Today, said the company has about 40 employees at the plant. Also, Latex International is building a 251,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, scheduled to open in 2011. See the Sept. 2nd, 2010, story, "Local foam maker to move to Texas." (CLO and RELO-OS)

Multi-Fineline Electronix Inc. (M-Flex), HQ’d in Anaheim, which makes circuit boards and other electronic components, has eliminated 85 jobs and has transferred work to lower-cost facilities in China. According to the Orange County Register, The HQ and R&D will remain in Anaheim. See the July 27, 2010, story, "O.C. circuit board maker moves jobs to China."“MFLEX Reports Financial Results for Third Quarter Fiscal 2010.” – until researching SEC filings. There, MFLEX says: "Since 2000, we have expanded our manufacturing capacity in China by acquiring additional and technologically advanced machinery. . . . We expanded our manufacturing facilities and capital equipment at our second manufacturing facility in China, MFC2, in October 2006 and further expanded our assembly operations to satellite facilities during fiscal 2009 and 2008 in China, and enabled us to take on additional high-volume manufacturing programs. We are also . . . constructing a new facility in Suzhou, China (MFC3), and have identified a site in Chengu, China as an option to further expand our operations.” Meanwhile the company will transition the operations of its original China facility, MFC1, to a new state-of-the-art flex fabrication facility which will start in the second half of fiscal year 2010. That information is from a Form 10K filed with the SEC FOR the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 – see here. What kind of company disinvests in California for many years and boosts investment in China? One answer: A company that’s doing very well. MFLEX announced on Sept. 7, 2010, that it’s been named one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Fastest-Growing Companies” and is a “Technology Leader Honored for its Growth Achievements” that ranks 35th among leading enterprises. In fiscal 2009, MFLEX had 15,000 worldwide employees and reported net sales of $764 million USD. Company expenses to consolidate include $1.4 million related to the transfer overseas of some Anaheim operations – a move that will also save about $6.7 million. The company is experiencing “start-up costs related to MFC3, our new state-of-the art manufacturing facility in China” that will begin production in September 2010. Those statements can be found in its Aug. 5, 2010 news release, Little can be found online about the facilities in China – MFC1, MFC2, MFC3, and perhaps an upcoming MFC4 in Chengu

See the news release, "MFLEX Named One of FORTUNE's 100 Fastest-Growing Companies." (CD-OSG)

NGK Spark Plug Co., a Japanese company, will move production from a longtime Irvine factory to West Virginia by May 2011. According to the Orange County Business Journal, “It’s unclear how many Irvine jobs will be impacted. The company is expected to add 40 to 50 workers at a plant near Charleston, W. Va., which now has about 300 employees.” NGK, in Irvine since 1983, will maintain its West Coast distribution center at the location. See the Sept. 2, 2010 story "Japan's NGK Moving Spark Plug Production from Irvine to West Virginia." (RELO-OS)

Pipeline Software, Inc., may move from Santa Ana to Henderson, Nevada. The technology company provides enterprise-class information systems solutions and its CEO, Charlie Sundling, has already relocated, saying that change wasn’t a “huge difference” because he has lived in different parts of the world. The primary reason included California's state income and capital gains taxes. When asked if there's a plan to move the company eventually, he said, "Yea, in fact we've been looking at it because the reality is that the business tax impact and business operating cost impact is much greater than my personal taxes and costs, but moving a company is harder than moving an individual." Mr. Sundling provides an excellent analysis of the impact of California’s taxes in this May 9, 2010, YouTube video (well worth watching). (RELO-OSRT)

Smith Micro Software Inc., HQ'd in Aliso Viejo, will create a new R&D facility in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that it will invest $7 million in a research center "that will create 230 jobs over a three-year period. . . . The firm needs about 50,000 square feet of space -- with extra room available in case it grows." UPDATE: The Pittsburgh Business Times reported that Smith Micro has "signed a long-term lease at McCandless Corporate Center, an office park on 36 wooded acres in the suburban North Hills. . . . The site includes first floor space with the capability of handling Smith’s data center requirements. . . . the company has increased its staffing projections for its Pittsburgh office, seeking to establish 250 employees at the office, more than the 230 estimate announced in September." See the Dec. 1, 2010 story "Smith Micro signs lease for space in McCandless." (CD-OSG)

Witt Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG) is moving its Brea HQ and manufacturing to Scottsboro, Alabama, but an office will remain in Brea. The Orange County Register reported that "Witt HTPG was founded as A.H.Witt Inc. in Gardena, Ca., in 1948. Today, the company has about 500 employees in California, Alabama, Arizona, Texas, Illinois and Georgia." See the Sept. 8, 2010 story "O.C. firm moves headquarters to Alabama." Meanwhile, the Scottsboro Daily Sentinel said, “HTPG is a $90 million manufacturer of highly-engineered refrigeration condensing units, evaporator coils and air cooled condensers for the food service, food retail and other non-consumable markets [and] anticipates adding as many as 200 jobs in Scottsboro over the next three years.” See the story, "Poised for Growth." (RELO-OS)

2010 Orange County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 26
- Amonix Inc. (CD-OSG)

- Bazz Houston Co. (RELO-OS)

- CB Richard Ellis (RELO-OS)

- Corinthian Colleges (CD-OSG)

- Ditech (RELO-OS)

- Edwards Lifesciences (CD-OSG)

- eEye Digital (RELO-OS)

- First American Corp. (CD-OSG)

- Imperial-Newton Inc. (RELO-OS)

- InsulTech LLC (RELO-OS)

- Kaiser Aluminum Corp. (CD-OSG)

- Kulicke & Soffa Industries Inc. (RELO-OS)

- Kyjen Company (RELO-OS)

- Lennox Hearth Products Inc. (RELO-OS)

- Maxwell America (RELO-OS)

- MotorVac Technologies (RELO-OS)

- Newport Partners LLC (CD-OSG)

- Paragon Relocation Resources (RELO-OS)

- Pixel2Canvas (RELO-OS)

- TriZetto Group Inc. (RELO-OS)

- True Games Interactive Inc. (RELO-OS)

- U.S. Olympic Committee (RELO-OS)

- US Airways (RELO-OS)

- Vizio (CD-OSG)

- Western Digital Corp. (CD-OSG)

- Workforce Management (RELO-OS)

2009 Orange County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 8

- Alliance Company (RELO-OS)

- Apria Healthcare Group (RELO-OS)

- BRP Billet Racing Products (RELO-OS)

- Creel Printing (RELO-OS)

- Foxconn Electronics (RELO-OS)

- Telmar Network Technology Inc. (RELO-OS)

- Terumo Cardiovascular Systems (RELO-OS)

- Thomas Brothers Maps (RELO-OS)

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PLACER COUNTY
2010 Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1
- TASQ Technology (RELO-OS)

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2009 Placer County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1

- Schott Solar Inc. (RELO-OS)

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY

2010 Riverside County Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 2

Amway Corp. will close its Lakeview facility, which has grown and processed Nutrilite supplements for more than 50 years. The Riverside Press-Enterprise said the shutdown will affect 150 employees and be phased through 2013, adding: “The 600-acre facility was established in 1954 and included a farm that grew herbs and vegetables and a processing plant that dehydrated the plants and processed them for Nutrilite's vitamin supplements. At one point, concentrates made at Lakeview . . . were used to make about 80 percent of Nutrilite's products.” Some work will be shifted to plants in Buena Park, Calif., Ada, Michigan, Washington state, Mexico and Brazil. The Lakeview facility is where the Nutrilite brand began. See the May 26, 2010 story, "Amway to close its Nutrilite facility by 2013." Also see the news release: "Amway Corporation Announces Strategic Adjustments." (CLO and RELO-OS)

Hilton Hotels will close its Hemet reservations center, resulting in a loss of 325 jobs. The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported that the jobs would end on Oct. 5. See: "325 jobs lost with Hemet call center closure." The Valley Chronicle reported that Hilton is "one of the San Jacinto Valley’s largest employers" and people will be out of work unless they agree to move to one of the two remaining call centers, one in Texas and one in Florida." Severance packages are available to those unwilling to move. See "325 workers affected in call center closure."  Update: According to the Los Angeles Times, Hilton's application to the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance program (which helps workers who lose jobs because work was sent overseas or was undercut by cheaper imports) indicated it was moving the center to the Philippines  to save money. "Across all aspects of its business, Hilton Worldwide is committed to maximizing operating efficiencies while maintaining service levels," Hilton said in a statement. See the Oct. 6, 2010 story "U.S. jobs continue to flow overseas." (Related item: In the 2009 listing for Los Angeles County is an entry for Hilton Hotels Corp. moving its HQ from its longtime Beverly Hills location to McLean, Virginia.) (CLO and RELO-OS)

2010 Riverside County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1 - Hayden Automotive (RELO-OS)

2009 Riverside County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 2

- Dassault Falcon (CP)

- Deutsch Industrial Products Division (CLO)

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
2010 Sacramento County Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 3

Clarcor Air Filtration Productions (also known as Airguard) in Sacramento will close in November and 51 jobs will be eliminated. The Sacramento Bee reported that the parent company, Clarcor Inc., of Franklin, Tenn., says the air-filter factory overlaps with a plant in Corona, which also serves California. See the Sept 14, 2010 story: "Local Biz." (CLO)

Gregory Mountain Products Inc., HQ'd in Sacramento, will relocate its HQ and staff to the Salt Lake City area, keeping a "largely autonomous brand" as it integrates with its new owner, Black Diamond Equipment Inc. The date of the move isn't clear. See the company news release as posted on Backcountry magazine's site: "Black Diamond Equipment to Bring Gregory to Salt Lake City." According to the Provo Daily Herald, “The company plans to add 55 new full-time positions in Salt Lake County, in both headquarters and distribution facilities over the next 10 years.” See the Aug. 18, 2010 story: "Local News and Notes 8/18." (RELO-OS)

HomeEq Servicing, HQ'd in North Highlands, near Sacramento, will close after being acquired by Ocwen Financial Corp. The Central Valley Business Times reports that those losing their jobs "are being replaced by people in India and Uruguay who work cheaper." See the Sept. 2, 2010 story "Loan servicer fires 901 Californians." A search of the latest WARN Notices here (pdf) shows that 905 employees will lose their jobs – 452 on Oct. 31 and 453 on Nov. 19. The Sacramento Bee reported that "Ocwen, one of the nation's largest subprime loan servicers, didn't respond to repeated requests for comment" and employees "said they were ordered not to talk with media." See the Sept. 1, 2010 story "1,000 workers fear for jobs at Sacramento's HomeEq." (CLO and RELO-OS)

2009 Sacramento County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 2

- J.C. Penney (call center) (CLO)

- USAA Insurance (call center) (CLO)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

2010 Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 1

CABO Yachts will close its Adelanto plant by the end of 2010 and move production to the Hatteras Yachts factory in New Bern, North Carolina. Both companies are units of Brunswick Corp. of Lake Forest, Illinois. The move could add 350 jobs to North Carolina within five years. See the Associated Press story: "Yacht builder to add 350 jobs in NC in 5 years." An unspecified number of employees will be offered relocation assistance to move to New Bern. See the news release "Hatteras Yachts to Move CABO Yacht Production to North Carolina to Lower Costs and Solidify, Extend Segment Leadership." See also the New Bern Sun Journal Sept. 20, 2010 story about the company being in the 1st stage of hiring staff, some of whom will be from the Adelanto plant if they are able to accept the offer. A company spokesperson said of the California employees, "The workforce out there, which is mostly Hispanic, they’re very entrenched in the area, they have families, and unfortunately it’s a very terrible housing market, so anyone out there with a house is upside down in it. So it’s proving difficult.” He said the company is looking at alternative ways to structure employment for those workers. The company expects to hire between 80 and 100 workers by the end of the year, and as many as 350 workers across five years. See "Offers extended to 43 workers at California plant targeted for closure." (RELO-OS)

2009 San Bernardino County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 3

- Bar-Sto (RELO-OS)

- CalPortland Cement (CLO)

- EMRISE Corp. (RELO-OS)

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
2010 San Diego County Known Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 2

Callaway Golf Co. is moving most of its manufacturing over the next 18 months to Monterrey, Mexico. George Fellows, CEO, said, "This decision was based on an extensive review of our operations structure and supports the gross margin improvements necessary to secure our leadership position in a competitive market." See the company's July 27, 2010 news release, "Callaway Golf Announces Redesign of Global Operations System." The North County Times reported that “Carlsbad will remain company headquarters, where research, marketing and administrative functions will be handled, as well as some manufacturing. . . . Bud Leedom, an analyst familiar with the company, said hundreds would lose their jobs, because manufacturing is a ‘substantial part’ of Callaway's payroll. . . . Callaway has endured hard times before, Leedom said. However, relocating production means the company had decided that even when the economy recovers, it won't be able to regain its pricing power.” See: "GOLF: Callaway to reduce manufacturing in Carlsbad, cut work force." (CD-OSG)

Randox Laboratories, an Irish medical diagnostics firm, moved its Oceanside operation to Kearneysville, West Virginia, into a $7 million facility that will also serve as its U.S. HQ and first R&D and manufacturing base in this country. According to the BBC, it's expected to employ 130 people within the next two years. R&D will start by early 2011 and the products researched in the U.S. will probably be manufactured in the U.S. See the Aug. 3, 2010 Story: "Randox Labs opens new US-facility." According to Plastics News, in reporting on the grand opening ceremony, said the first product to be made will be a biochip used to test for multiple drugs at the same time. See the Aug. 9, 2010 story: "Irish medical firm opens US headquarters.” (RELO-OS)

2010 San Diego County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 4
- Dot Hill Systems Corp. (RELO-OS)

- Premier Inc. (RELO-OS)

- SAIC (RELO-OS)

- Cannon Power Group (CD-OSG)

2009 San Diego County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1

- Helix Wind Inc. (RELO-OST)

SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY
2010 San Francisco County Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 2

Suntech America, a “green” unit of a Chinese company HQ’d in San Francisco, will put its new factory in Goodyear, Arizona. The Arizona Republic reported that Suntech is hiring about 20 employees for initial production at the 120,000-square-foot facility, scheduled to begin in October, and expects to hire 75 workers in the first year, ramping up to 150 employees over time. See the Aug. 13, 2010 story, "Suntech to hold job fair Saturday in Goodyear." The company said it selected the area because of research leadership shown by Arizona State University, statewide renewable energy policies, and a supportive local business climate. See the news release: "Suntech Selects Arizona for First U.S. Manufacturing Plant." Just FYI – the Phoenix Business Journal reported that other solar companies in Arizona include First Solar, Solon Corp., Aide Solar and Stirling Energy Systems. See, "Suntech entry into Valley could spur local solar supply chain, jobs." (CD-OSG)

Twitter, Inc., based in San Francisco, will open a data center in Salt Lake City – another move by a California company to put computer-intensive operations in a state with less expensive electricity and a business-friendly reputation. Mountain Power’s prices are low and high-speed communications networks exist that can quickly process large volumes of data. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said the state's tech-savvy work force makes it perfect for companies like Twitter. See the Deseret News July 21, 2010 story "Twitter plans to open new data center in Salt Lake City area." A Twitter manager posted a message announcing that the company's technical operations will move to Salt Lake City – without specifying just what that means. The Data Center Journal on August 19, 2010 said "This data center will contain all of Twitter’s technical operations" – see "Tweets Galore in Utah." The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the facility may open in September of this year. See: “Utah data center for Twitter may open in early fall.” (CD-OSG)

2010 San Francisco County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 4
- BMC Select (RELO-OS)

- Genentech (CD-OSG)

- Yelp (CD-OSG)

- Zynga (CD-OSG)

2009 San Francisco County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 2

- CallTower, Inc. (RELO-OS)

- StarKist (RELO-OS)

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
2010 San Joaquin Known Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 4

American Micro Detection Systems, Inc. (AMDS), a privately held water technology company based in Stockton, will establish a manufacturing plant and move marketing and sales operations to Milwaukee. Initially its Wisconsin operation will have about 10 employees, according to the BizTimes Milwaukee Sept. 3, 2010 story "Real Estate: Aurora HQ could spur Tannery turnaround." However, Bob Keville, President of AMDS "said they could employ up to 400 workers as sales increase. They plan to be up and running by June of [2011]," according to WISN.com, July 18, 2010 story "Company Picks Milwaukee As Manufacturing Location." Christopher Lynch, the company’s VP-Business Development, confirmed to yours truly that AMDS will retain its HQ in Stockton. (CD-OSG)

Amtex, a subsidiary of Japan-based Hayashi Telempu, closed its Manteca plant and eliminated 97 jobs at the end of March. Amtex supplied car seat covers for the now-closed NUMMI car manufacturing plant. See the KTXL-TV News story, "97 Workers Laid Off At Amtex Plant." It appears that the company's facilities in Lebanon, Ohio, and San Antonio, Texas, remain open. (CLO)

Kyoho Manufacturing California, which opened an auto parts plant in Stockton in 2008, eliminated all of its 154 jobs on April 1. The company supplied the now-closed NUMMI plant. See the Stockton Record January 15, 2010 story, "Stockton parts supplier to lay off entire work force.” An earlier story illustrates how companies contribute to local philanthropic causes – see the Stockton Record story of May 15, 2008 “Kyoho gives $65,000 to San Joaquin County groups” – and contributions are more substantial with larger corporations. (CLO)

Pacific Coast MS Industries plant in Tracy, which made brake lines, fuel lines and other parts for the now closed NUMMI factory, closed on Marcy 31. Jobs lost: 130. See In These Times"Pacific Coast" MS Industries Tracy." (CLO) story

2009 San Joaquin County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1

- Mariah Power (RELO-OS)

SAN MATEO COUNTY

2010 San Mateo County Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 2

Electronic Arts Inc., HQ'd in Redwood City, opened a new 20,000-square-foot facility in Salt Lake City in July that’s initially housing about 100 employees. See the Sacramento Bee Aug. 15, 2010 story: "Utah Lures Adobe, other California high-tech companies." (CD-OSG)

Oracle, HQ'd in Redwood Shores, resumed construction of a massive data center in Utah, an effort called “Project Sequoia.” ITBusiness.ca reported that "The project is slated to be roughly 240,000 square feet in size, with a potential price tag 'very likely' around $285 million." See the May 3, 2010 story: "Oracle resumes construction of massive data centre." The company first announced the project in 2008, halted construction for awhile, and resumed work in 2010 on the facility that’s expected to have about 100 employees. Also see the company's May 19, 2008 news release, "Oracle Plans To Build New Global Information Technology Facility To Support Growing Customer Base." A sketch of the new building was posted by Hill Mechanical Group here. (CD-OSG)

2009 San Mateo County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1

- Scale Computing (RELO-OS)

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
2010 Santa Barbara County Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 1

United Parcel Service of America, Inc. (UPS) will shut its Santa Maria call center in stages through October 2010, affecting about 260 employees. The Santa Maria Times quoted a UPS spokeswoman as saying, “no other jobs with UPS are available for the employees in this area. . . . The center is being closed because calls that have been handled by the Santa Maria center can be handled within the company’s existing network.” The center is the only one of ten centers that’s closing. See the May 1, 2010 story: "UPS to close Santa Maria telecenter." (CLO)

SANTA CLARA COUNTY

2010 Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 12

Adobe Systems Inc., HQ’d in San Jose, is expanding big time – in Utah. A new campus in Salt Lake County or Utah County will accommodate growth for Adobe and its Omniture Business Unit operations currently based in Orem. The multi-phase project includes construction of a new campus by 2012 and possible expansion over 20 years. Potentially, about 1,000 new jobs could be created in Utah over that period, generating approximately $1.6 billion in new state wages. Gov. Gary R. Herbert said, "I have personally assured company leaders that Utah’s business climate will allow operations to thrive." The announcement is here. CIO Today observed that California-based companies “are looking to Utah for its ready supply of young, tech-savvy workers, and its lower business and living costs.” Quality of living also is a factor, say executives, who have a name for Utah – Silicon Slopes – that invokes nine ski resorts within an hour's drive of Salt Lake City. Utah has hundreds of technology companies, mostly small ones in need of bigger partners.” See the Aug. 9, 2010 story: “Adobe Investment Is 'Watershed Moment' for Utah.” (CD-OSG)

eBay, HQ'd in San Jose, is expanding its PayPal division this fall with a customer-service center in Chandler, Arizona. The Arizona Republic reported that it “includes more than 188,000 sq. ft. but PayPal won't occupy the entire building immediately. Workers will be added as the company expands.” The Greater Phoenix Economic Council stated: "It's going to be a much stronger investment than just a call center. This further strengthens our reputation in technology, and it shows we can continue to bring industry from California to Arizona.” Also, an eBay spokeswoman said, "We have found a wealth of quality candidates in the area, allowing us to recruit and retain talented employees.” See the July 16, 2010 story, "PayPal center coming to Chandler courtesy of eBay." (CDOSC)

eBay (2^nd event), HQ’d in San Jose, outlined plans in May for a $287 million data center in Draper, Utah, outside Salt Lake City. The Sacramento Bee reported that “the massive facility will be the primary overseer of eBay's website, with millions of users and accounts. Hundreds of jobs are expected to be filled.” See the Aug 15, 2010 story: "Utah Lures Adobe, other California high-tech companies." It’s expected that about 450 jobs will be created in the new facility. (CDOSC)

Intel, HQ'd in Santa Clara, plans to spend $180 million to expand a research center in Guadalajara, Mexico. Scott Overson, chief of Intel’s operations in Mexico, was quoted by Bloomberg News as saying, “The design center in Mexico is a shining example within Intel of a great investment." It continued: "The center, which began with 33 employees, has grown to 440 and will almost double to 750 after the new facility is built. The group in Mexico had completed 40 research projects as of July [2010]." As to Mexico's increase in gang violence, Overson said, “We haven’t found that to be a limiter for us at all at Intel." See the Sept. 7, 2010 story: "Mexico Beats China as Cessna Shows Wages Converge With Shipping." (CD-OSG)

Lockheed Martin's Savi Technology moved its global HQ from Mountain View to Alexandria, Va. The company, which services wireless networks, will house senior leaders and marketing staff in Virginia while some support and engineering functions will stay in place. (Years ago Lockheed was HQ’d in Southern California but moved to Bethesda, Md., when it merged with Martin Marietta. Overall, the corporation reported 2009 sales of $44.5 billion – I wonder what California’s corporate income tax revenue on Lockheed Martin would have been had the company stayed here.) See the Aug. 11, 2010 news release: “Lockheed Martin's Savi Technology Shifts Headquarters to Alexandria, VA.” (RELO-OS)

McAfee, Inc., HQ’d in Santa Clara, will open a new lab in Santiago, Chile in 2010 that will employ more than 60 researchers, developers, and quality assurance engineers with the possibility of expansion. Normally, I exclude offshore expansions by growing international companies. However, the nature of the jobs show that this is more than a sales office or call center. The Area Development Online News Desk quoted Jeff Green, senior VP as saying, “This expansion of McAfee Labs will help us improve the McAfee customer experience and allow for more technical innovation.” (More “technical innovation than California has been known for?) The article continued, “McAfee chose Santiago after a rigorous, international search. The city’s infrastructure, the country’s political and economic stability, government incentives, and work force clinched the decision.” See the May 7, 2010 story, "McAfee Opens Chile Facility."“Not Hiring in California.” (Earlier, McAfee candidly admitted, in March, that it intentionally avoids hiring in California. The company has transferred entire departments elsewhere and saves about 30 to 40% every time the company hires outside of the state. That bit is in Forbes: (CD-OSG)

Soladigm Inc., a Milpitas-based “green” technology firm, is moving into Olive Branch, Mississippi, with a $130 million investment in a plant that will employ 350 people. The Memphis Daily News reported that “Soladigm Inc. is a privately held company . . . and financed by two venture capital funds. . . Sigma Partners and Khosla Ventures, both of Menlo Park, Calif. The company makes ‘dynamic’ windows, which can be switched from tinted to clear as needed.” See the July 30, 2010, story: "Olive Branch Lands Soladigm, 350 Jobs." The DeSoto Times-Tribune reported that “A crowd of 400 gathered in the ballroom of the Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center rose to its feet with the announcement. Gov. Haley Barbour and company officials also received standing ovations after giving an overview of the company's plans and insight into the elaborate effort to lure the company to Olive Branch. . . . Olive Branch has been declared one of America's best places to live, not once but twice by Money Magazine.” See the July 31, 2010 story, “Soladigm unveils plans for OB facility.""Soladigm Announces New Manufacturing Facility in Olive Branch; Project to Create Over 300 New Jobs." (pdf)  Soladigm was founded in 2007 and is currently operating a pilot production line at its Milpitas facility, according to a July 30 news releas. (CD-OSG)

Sonatype Inc., moved its HQ from Mountain View to Silver Spring, Maryland, while unveiling $11.6 million in venture funding. The Washington Business Journal reported that the startup, with software developers as customers, "plans to use that new headquarters as a launching pad for growth in the coming months, fueled by an investment led by Facebook-backer Accel Partners, based in Palo Alto, Calif. The venture capital round, also joined by existing investors San Francisco-based Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, Palo Alto-based Bay Partners and Cleveland-based Morgenthaler Ventures, is the first major infusion of institutional funding for Sonatype. . . . It may seem counterintuitive that a startup — one whose clients include major West Coast tech firms [e.g., Cisco Systems, Qualcomm, Intuit] — would leave the epicenter of the nation’s tech industry for the Maryland suburbs. But [CEO Wayne] Jackson says the Washington area has the talent pool and the geographic position to make it an ideal place to hang a shingle." See the Sept. 10 story: "Silicon Valley startup Sonatype moves to Maryland." (RELO-OS)

Tiny Prints, a Mountain View-based company that sells customized wedding, birth and stationery products online, opened a customer-service and graphic-arts center in Tempe, Arizona, in June. The Arizona Republic reported that “Mak Azadi, Tiny Prints' chief operating officer, said the company chose Arizona over three other states because of its lower land and labor costs, and because it offered the opportunity to have a redundant facility in case of a California natural disaster. Another consideration was the availability of artists through Arizona State University and other area schools." See the July 25, 2010 story: "California on mind of Arizona leaders." (CD-OSG)

Twin Creeks Technologies, Inc., a “green” company HQ’d in Santa Clara, held a groundbreaking ceremony in May for a plant in Senatobia, Miss., to manufacture produce photovoltaic solar panels. The company said: "Construction of Twin Creeks' 100-megawatt solar manufacturing site is rapidly ramping up. We are delighted at the diligence and speed at which this project is progressing. We are starting construction and our hiring plan is taking shape.” The project will create 512 jobs in two phases, and it represents a company investment of $175 million. Initially, the facility will be 80,000-square feet, with plans to quickly expand to 250,000-square feet. See the Mississippi Development Authority’s May 28, 2010 news release: "Twin Creeks Technologies Breaks Ground on Solar Panel Manufacturing Facility in Senatobia, Miss." For Californian’s frustrated by permitting obstacles, note what the Senatobia Democrat reported: “Twin Creeks Technologies announced their location here on Good Friday, broke ground on Memorial Day weekend, and hopes to be producing solar panels here by the first quarter of 2011.” See: "Progress picks up at new site." (CD-OSG)

VeriSign will relocate its HQ from Mountain View to Reston, Virginia. According to a Sept 16 SEC filing, VeriSign leased about 221,000 square feet effective Feb. 1, 2011. See the SEC Form 8-K (pdf). The Washington Business Journal reported that "VeriSign will pay about $105.8 million over the course of the 15-year lease.” See the Sept. 17, 2010 story: “VeriSign signs Reston lease at Sallie Mae HQ." It's unclear how many jobs will be lost in California. (RELO-OS)

Yahoo! Inc., HQ'd in Sunnyvale, will open a data center in Lockport, New York, on Sept. 20, 2010. Associated Press reported, "The center, located 20 miles northeast of Buffalo, immediately creates more than 100 jobs, with the potential for more later on." See: "Yahoo opening data center in NY, will employ 100." Earlier, in 2007, Yahoo opened a big data center in Quincy, Washington, and is planning more around the country. One reason California companies build out-of-state data centers is because electrical rates elsewhere are substantially lower. Yahoo's press release refers to the New York Power Authority’s "low-cost hydropower." Hydropower? Doesn't that send shivers through California's environmental community? See: "Yahoo! Opens State-of-the-Art Data Center in Western New York."

2010 Santa Clara County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 14
- Beckman Coulter (CD-OSG)

- Apple Inc. (CD-OSG)

- Applied Materials (CD-OSG)

- Facebook (4 separate events) (CD-OSG)

- Globalstar, Inc. (CD-OSG)

- Google Inc. (CD-OSG)

- Hewlett-Packard (CD-OSG)

- McAfee, Inc. (CD-OSG)

- Network Appliance (CD-OSG)

- Novellus Inc. (RELO-OS)

- PayPal (Omaha) (CD-OSG)

- Solaicx Inc. (CD-OSG)

- Solexant (CD-OSG)

2009 Santa Clara County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 8

- Agilent Technologies (CD-OSG)

- CoreSite (CD-OSC )

- eBay (South Jordan, Utah) (CD-OSG)

- Intel Corp. (CLO)

- Intuit Inc. (two events) (CD-OSG)

- Rockwell Collins (RELO-OSR)

- Terremark Worldwide (CD-OSG)

- YesVideo, Inc. (CD-OSG)

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
2010 Santa Cruz County Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 1

Cemex, a Mexico-based company, closed its Davenport cement plant. The Santa Cruz Sentinel said the facility was opened in 1906, employed roughly 120 people, and was the biggest contributor to the county's property tax roll. It reported that Cemex said environmental regulations and permitting constraints and the cost of the unionized work force played a role in the decision to close. In fact, “The Davenport facility was the most expensive of Cemex's 14 plants in the United States to operate.” See the Jan. 22, 2010 story: "Cemex announces it is shutting its Davenport plant." (CLO)

SHASTA COUNTY
2010 Shasta County Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 1

Fintech Precast Inc., based in Redding, closed in April. The company manufactured precast walls for buildings and now 65 people are without jobs. The Redding Record Searchlight"Fintech Precast closes doors." Since then, the property that housed Fintech has gone back to the bank, the Deutsche Bank National Trust Company: “Debt owed on the land before the bank took it back was $2.2 million.” See the Aug. 14, 2010 story: “Contest drives traffic to dealers." Further details are difficult to find because the company’s website is down. (CLO)

SIERRA COUNTY

2010 Sierra County Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 1

Sierra Pacific Industries closed its Loyalton biomass plant in August. The company was losing money because of lower electricity rates and smaller timber sales from the U.S. Forest Service. The Sierra Sun reported that the closure means 15 of the plant's 20 employees have been given notice. See the Aug. 20, 2010 story: "Loyalton biomass plant shuts down, effective immediately." (CLO)

SISKIYOU COUNTY
2010 Siskiyou County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1
- Coca-Cola North America (CLO)

SOLANO COUNTY
2010 Solano County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1
- Soy Labs LLC

SONOMA COUNTY
2009 Sonoma County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 3
- Barefoot Motors (RELO-OS)

- Basin Street Properties (RELO-OS)

- Stasis Engineering (RELO-OS)

STANISLAUS COUNTY
2010 Stanislaus County Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 1

Trim Masters Inc. eliminated all 186 jobs at its Modesto plant on March 31 as a result of the shutdown of the NUMMI factory. See the Sacramento Bee Feb. 9, 2010 story "Nummi plant closing will affect jobs in Merced, Modesto." Unlike other California losses, Modesto will experience some relief as Rizo López, a food manufacturer, will buy the facility and after retrofit in 2012 will start production. No estimate for the number to be hired were available nor is it clear how many jobs may transfer from a Rizo López facility in Riverbank, Calif. See The Aug. 20 story: "Food firm expansion to benefit Modesto." (CLO)

2010 Stanislaus County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1
- Hormel Foods Corp. (CLO)

TULARE COUNTY
2010 Tulare County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1
- Land O' Lakes (CLO)

VENTURA COUNTY
2010 Ventura County Events Reported for 1st Time Here Today: 2

Barbour Well, Inc., moved its HQ from Camarillo to Henderson, Nevada. The company, an oil and geothermal drilling service, has worked in California and throughout the Western U.S. for more than 20 years and also serves the Pacific Rim as far as Hawaii and Japan. The move was mentioned in a Las Vegas Review Journal June 20, 2010 story: "Companies find advantages to moving businesses to Las Vegas" and also was confirmed by the Nevada Development Authority based in Las Vegas. (RELO-OS)

Power-One Inc., a "green" company HQ'd in Camarillo, will create a manufacturing and research facility in Phoenix, which will employ 350 people. The Arizona Republic said the company is planning to hire most of the employees locally. Power-One will make an initial $6 million investment in the building, plus its $5 million investment in R&D, and plans to invest as much as $40 million in its Phoenix operation over the next five years. See the Sept. 9 story: "Solar company will bring 350 jobs to Phoenix." The company makes electrical components for rooftop solar-power systems and parts for wind turbines. The Phoenix plant, which will build the company's new PVI-300KW inverter, will reach full production by mid 2011. (CD-OSG)

2010 Ventura County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 2
- Life Technologies Corp. (CLO)

- Zebra Technologies Corp. (RELO-OS)

2009 Ventura County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 4

- Barbour Well, Inc. (RELO-OS)

- SolarWorld Industries America (CD-OSG)

- Special Devices Inc. (CD-OSG)

- Wamar International, Inc. (CD-OSG)

YOLO COUNTY
2010 Yolo County Known Events Reported Here Earlier: 1
- VinPerfect (RELO-OST)

^© Copyright by Joseph Vranich, 2010. Use is permitted provided attribution is given to "Joseph Vranich, The Business Relocation Coach."