Preview: Manufacturing 661

From environmental issues to labor to real estate, manufacturing companies face challenges not found in other industries. And while many parts of Los Angeles County have become too expensive or restrictive for manufacturers, the northern valleys welcome them. In the 661 telephone area code, which includes the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys, there’s affordable land, an educated workforce, close proximity of freeways going to the San Pedro ports, and city governments that want to attract and retain manufacturing jobs. Holly Schroeder, chief executive of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp. said the city was one of the few areas in the state that has been growing manufacturing jobs over the past few years. “We like to view ourselves as a bright spot and want to continue to grow those companies here,” Schroeder said. Read the full story in the Aug. 21 issue of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.