TULARE COUNTY ECONOMIC FORECAST: THE VALLEY’S RISING INDUSTRIAL CENTER
The economic whiplash of the nearly two years of a global health crisis has exposed a well-reported labor shortage, supply chain issues and inflation. In Tulare County, industrial growth is keeping things steady. Tulare County Economic Development Corporation CEO Nathan Ahle says the spotlight is on the Visalia Industrial Park. Tulare County continues to see much industrial growth, including the recently opened Amazon warehouse and an Ace Hardware logistics facility, which was announced recently. Ace Hardware is 1 million square feet and is set to provide 400 jobs.
The industrial park is master planned to serve many years of growth, Ahle said. Interest in the area continues to gain traction. “Land is going quickly and projects are getting built and spec buildings are being built, or they’re being built to suit. And we’re seeing a lot of demand in that area for sure,” Ahle said. The City of Porterville is also poised for growth, he said. It shows promise, especially because it’s had one of the most heavily trafficked Walmart distribution centers in the country for decades. “Cities that may not be on the 99 but certainly have that potential would be right there in Porterville,” Ahle said.
The City of Tulare will also see significant development over the next three to five years surrounding the International Agri-Center. There will be a new interchange off of Highway 99.