Barbecue to honor top companies

SEPTEMBER 2008 - The following companies are set to be honored at the 44th annual Industrial Technology Barbecue.

New Companies

Advanced H20 is one of the largest producers of private labeled bottled water in the US. At their 380,000 square foot Stockton facility they produce water bottles and pre-forms-filling them for customers in California, Nevada, Utah, Southern Arizona and Texas. They have 67 employees and have made a $33 million capital investment in San Joaquin County. Advanced H2O chose Stockton for its central location in relation to their markets, proximity to key customers such as DS Water in San Jose and Safeway in Pleasanton, and its business friendly environment.

American Biodiesel, Inc. dba Community Fuels is in the process of opening a biodiesel plant on 3 acres of land at the Port of Stockton. This facility will include storage tanks, a cooling tower, distillation column and an energy generator, all for the production of the fuel. When it ramps up to full production this facility will bring 35 new jobs to Stockton and produce approximately 7.5 million gallons of biodiesel a year. Biodiesel reduces global warming pollution, producing 78 percent less carbon dioxide emissions than diesel. The company believes that by reducing the need for regular diesel we can reduce our dependence on foreign petroleum.

Archer Daniels Midland is one of the world’s largest agricultural processors. The company produces corn syrup as well as other food ingredients. It is headquartered in Decatur, Illinois and operates processing and manufacturing facilities across the United States and worldwide. They have just opened a 20,000 square foot distribution facility on 15 acres in Lodi and have hired 10 people. The corn syrup terminal will distribute dry and liquid sweetener processed in the Midwest throughout northern California The company says that it serves as a vital link between farmers and consumers, taking crops and processing them to make food ingredients, animal feed ingredients, renewable fuels and naturally derived alternatives to industrial chemicals. Thus “ADM makes a significant contribution to the world’s economy and quality of life”.

Blue Shield of California is a not for profit health plan dedicated to providing Californians with access to high quality care at a reasonable price. With more than 800 employees currently in Lodi they chose to build their new 150,000 square feet facility to unite functional areas and provide a better physical working environment for their employees. Their total investment for this project is $29 million.

Ferguson Enterprises,, headquartered in Newport News , VA , is the industry leader as the largest US distributor of plumbing supplies and pipes, valves and fittings (PVF). Its new 650,000 square foot facility at the Port of Stockton receives quality materials from Ferguson’s diverse group of suppliers (plumbing, HVAC, lighting, waterworks, etc.), maintains a high level of product availability, and sustains a short response time when fulfilling orders. They currently employ 65 people, but at full operation employment is anticipated to reach 220 employees. This new facility represents a $46 million investment. By building this new location at the Port of Stockton it provided them an opportunity to improve service and delivery times to their customer base..

KHMCA - Kyoho Manufacturing California opened a 292,800 square foot facility in Stockton that produces stamped and welded chassis parts for the Toyota Corolla and Tacoma as well as the Pontiac Vibe for the New United Motors Manufacturing production plant in Fremont, CA. This facility marks the first time Kyoho Machine Works/KHMCA has built a facility in the United States. They employ more than 70 employees and have invested over $73 million dollars into the County.

LKQ/Keystone Automotive Industries Inc. is the largest nationwide provider of aftermarket collision replacement products, recycled OEM products and refurbished OEM collision replacement products such as wheels, bumper covers and lights used to repair light vehicles and trucks. LKQ operates approximately 300 facilities and serves tens of thousands of collision-repair businesses, mechanical service shops and vehicle dealerships throughout the United States and Canada. Its Stockton facility is the delivery hub from Monterey, north to Santa Rosa on the coast and Merced north to Woodland on Interstate 5.

Pacific Ethanol, a manufacturer of bio-fuels, has constructed a $92 million, 100,000 square foot bio-refinery at the Port of Stockton. The 30-acre site includes a tank farm and distillery that will produce ethanol from Midwest corn. Pacific Ethanol employs 37 people. The Enterprise Zone was a major factor in the company’s decision to locate to the Port.

Sears Logistic Services just completed construction on a 780,000 square foot distribution center in Stockton. This facility will distribute home appliances and electronics as well as lawn equipment and garden tractors to their stores in northern California, Utah and Oregon. They hired 60 new employees. Sears chose Stockton because of its central location and easy transportation access.

TCP is a world leader in energy efficient lighting. TCP was established in 1993 in Ohio. Their product line includes compact fluorescent lamps, cold cathode, linear and high bay systems, exit and emergency lighting, HID, energy-efficient fixtures, and LED lighting products. Their new 125,000 square foot facility employs 15 people and they plan to have 30-40 employees by the end of the year. They decided to locate in Stockton for its central location allowing them to serve their West Coast customers better.

Expanded Companies

All Counties Glass Company is a tempered glass manufacturer that relocated within San Joaquin County to expand its operations. Thirty-six people are employed at the new 67,000 square foot facility. The Stockton/San Joaquin Enterprise Zone was a major factor in the company’s decision to remain in San Joaquin County.

American Containers has opened its third national manufacturing facility at the Port of Stockton - West complex. The other two are in Indiana and Georgia. The company manufactures high quality corrugated boxes, door fillers, paper pallets, plastic containers and void fillers. The Stockton plant produces durable corrugated boxes in various sizes and employs fifteen people. They came to San Joaquin County to lower their operation costs and provide quicker delivery to their customers.

Lowe’s Distribution #1430 expanded their 240,000 square foot flatbed distribution center in the Port of Stockton. This facility supplies products to more than 40 Lowe’s retail stores in northern California, Nevada and Oregon. They chose Stockton for its outstanding workforce, the friendly business environment, and its geographic proximity to Lowe’s growing store base on the West Coast. They have invested $16 million into the community and employ 25 people.

Entrepreneurship Award

Origami Foods, LLC is a start-up manufacturer of edible fruit and films and is locating its first facility at University Park in mid-town Stockton. It is being honored in a special category this year - the Entrepreneurship Award. This category recognizes those start-up companies that have garnered at least $1 million in investment and assistance from a minimum of three community entities. Origami Foods, LLC, developed by UOP graduate Matt de Bord received financial guidance about applying for Enterprise Zone benefits through the San Joaquin Partnership followed by funding through the San Joaquin County Revolving Loan Fund and the San Joaquin Angels. The company occupies 10,000 square feet of a 30,000 square foot facility and employs 10 people.