Simpson Strong-Tie, a leading manufacturer of structural products for the building industry, chose an existing 396,600-square-foot industrial building in the Agua Mansa redevelopment area of the County of San Bernardino for a major relocation. The new expanded location houses more than 184 office, manufacturing and warehouse staff.

The manufacturer will be taking advantage of the San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone (SBVEZ) initiatives which provide qualified businesses with substantial State tax credits and benefits, including hiring tax credits and sales or use tax credits, among others. The SBVEZ was created under the California Enterprise Zone Program to stimulate economic growth and job creation. The SBVEZ area encompasses 42 square miles in the cities of San Bernardino, Colton and unincorporated portions of the County. The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors recently approved the addition of 1,252 acres of County unincorporated area to the SBVEZ to extend the Enterprise Zone tax credits and benefits to more businesses who are considering a County location.

“Simpson Strong-Tie is indicative of the kind of quality manufacturer that is attracted to the County. We’re honored to have them move into the region and look forward to working with them to build their operation and grow their workforce. Their move further underscores the advantages San Bernardino County has to offer manufacturers and other industry leaders through programs such as the Enterprise Zone,” said Josie Gonzales, Chair, County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor.

Simpson Strong-Tie’s employees, equipment and inventory were scattered throughout six buildings at the manufacturer’s former Brea location. Executives note that with the new industrial facility, everything is located under one roof, which will increase efficiency and allow the company to grow.

Erik Wanland and Tom Dorman of CB Richard Ellis represented Simpson Strong-Tie in the move.

According to Wanland, large industrial occupiers are increasingly looking at opportunities to consolidate product, reduce costs and improve efficiencies. The recession has, in a sense, prompted companies to re-examine their manufacturing and supply chains to yield greater results.

“Simpson Strong-Tie, like others, has taken advantage of consolidating facilities coupled with historically low market pricing. In addition, San Bernardino County’s willingness to open their doors, roll up their sleeves and aggressively seek solutions to the complexities of manufacturing in California was crucial in Simpson’s decision process. The Inland Empire will continue to be a hub of manufacturing and distribution for the western US,” Wanland added.

In addition to the Enterprise Zone program, Simpson Strong-Tie is working with the County’s Workforce Development Department on workforce programs and incentives.

“We need to prove to manufacturers that there are public agencies ready and willing to work to keep their business and their workforce. Our entire County is planning its future with the needs of Corporate America in mind. This includes a high priority on sound transportation and community investment as well as long-term workforce development. It’s all about being a partner in their success now and for the future,” said Mary Jane Olhasso, Economic Development Administrator, County of San Bernardino.

The manufacturer’s new operations will also benefit from the County’s location advantages. The new facility is adjacent to the cities of Fontana and Colton near the 10, 60 and 215 freeways. Simpson Strong-Tie executives chose the location to service its customers throughout the southwest. The Pleasanton California-based Simpson Strong-Tie has several manufacturing plants and distribution centers in the U.S. as well as operations in more than a dozen countries worldwide.

According to market tracker CB Richard Ellis, both the overall vacancy and availability rates for industrial product in the Inland Empire have continued to decrease from first quarter 2011. Vacancy dropped from 6.4% to 6.3% and the availability rate declined from 12.8% to 12.2%.

The County of San Bernardino, in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, is renowned as the nation’s leading industrial market for its quality industrial facilities, competitive land costs and strategic access to freeways, airports and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, along with a skilled workforce of more than 900,000.