By Faughn Uncategorized 0 Comments

NASA administrator offers UC Merced students a glimpse of their future

It might seem that an airfield filled with old planes is a strange place to talk about the future of space flight. But Jared Isaacman, the administrator of NASA, said Atwater’s Castle Air Museum was the perfect setting to talk about what’s ahead.

Isaacman visited the former Air Force base last week to tour the planes and talk with students, including a contingent of more than 30 from UC Merced. The group included undergraduate and graduate students, members of the university’s first nanosatellite team, and faculty conducting NASA-supported research.

Among the faculty were Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development Gillian Wilson, an astronomer and cosmologist, Professor Sayantani Ghosh, an expert in condensed matter physics, and Professor Erin Hestir, a remote-sensing scientist and director of CITRIS, the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society & the Banatao Institute at UC Merced. The visit followed a stop at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab, where Isaacman met with scientists working on some of the technology to launch with Artemis IV, a moon-landing mission planned for early 2028.

“That’s just the opening act to America’s grand return to the lunar surface,” Isaacman said.

But space flight started with subspace flight, and the Castle display includes a F-100 previously flown by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Gus Grissom, the NASA director said in a post on X. “A real piece of NASA and American aviation history.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/nasa-administrator-offers-uc-merced-students-a-glimpse-of-their-future/ar-AA2bZ9Cx?ocid=BingNewsSerp

By Faughn Uncategorized 0 Comments

AGCO Opens Advanced Parts Distribution Center in Visalia, Calif., Expanding Parts Availability for Western U.S. Farmers

The 115,000-square-foot facility more than doubles AGCO’s West Coast parts capacity, putting more critical parts within fast reach of dealers and farmers.

AGCO  will open a new, expanded Parts Distribution Center in Visalia, Calif., on September 1, 2026, significantly increasing the range of parts stocked for farmers and dealers across the western United States. Located in the heart of West Coast agriculture, the modern facility replaces AGCO’s existing Visalia location and is designed to improve parts availability, accelerate delivery times and strengthen service for farmers and dealers across the western United States. A grand opening of the facility is planned for the first quarter of 2027.

“We reimagined every step of how parts move, from receiving to shipping, and built the systems to match, including advanced automation, smarter forecasting and a deeper local inventory,” said Stefan Caspari, Senior Vice President, Customer Success and North American Ag, AGCO. “For our dealers and farmers, this means more of the parts they need are on the shelf and closer to home, giving them greater confidence that the right part will be there when it matters most.”

The new 115,000-square-foot distribution center, visible from the Golden State Highway, more than doubles the size of AGCO’s operation in the region. Expanded stocking capacity, advanced warehouse automation and improved forecasting will enable AGCO to stock a broader range of high-demand parts closer to customers. Strategically located in California’s Central Valley, the center will support dealers and farmers across the western United States and AGCO’s full brand portfolio, including Fendt™ and Massey Ferguson™.

AGCO dealers like Pat O’Neill, VP, Ag & Lift of Quinn Company are excited about the benefits the new center will bring their customers. “A parts center of this caliber in our backyard is a game changer,” said O’Neill. “AGCO stocking more parts closer to home means we can get farmers the parts they need the same day, a real win for growers across California and the entire West Coast.”

The facility reflects a long-term investment in AGCO’s Farmer-First strategy and its growth across North America. AGCO designed the operation from the ground up, leveraging advanced storage systems, specialized material handling equipment and digital infrastructure to support the region’s needs and AGCO’s e-commerce growth for more than 20 years. The facility features vertical lift modules; high-density, narrow-aisle racking; dedicated storage for oversized components; rooftop solar power; and electric vehicle charging stations.

The Visalia project took shape over four years of network analysis, design and collaboration across AGCO’s global organization, making it one of the most advanced parts facilities in the company. Its opening on September 1 lays the foundation for AGCO’s continued growth across the western United States.

https://investors.agcocorp.com/news-releases/news-release-details/agco-opens-advanced-parts-distribution-center-visalia-calif?utm_source=chatgpt.com

By Faughn Uncategorized 0 Comments

‘We’re not finished making history yet’: CSUB hosts celebration of aerospace, defense grants

Industry, government and academic leaders gathered at Cal State Bakersfield Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the award of $6.8 million in state grant money to support a series of aerospace and defense projects in eastern Kern.

The brief event focused on the momentum that appears to be building around an industry speakers said has the potential to support job creation and entrepreneurial interest.

One of the event’s speakers, county District 2 Supervisor Chris Parlier, extended the celebration to include a compressed-air energy storage project and a steel rebar plant, both of which are being developed not far from the properties where the state grant money will be invested.

“If you haven’t been out to the east side lately, you have to,” he said, adding that aerospace testing and other assets available in the area “are difficult if not impossible to replicate anywhere else.”

Event emcee Justin Salters, project lead at New York-based talent and tech accelerator the Griffiss Institute, traced the county’s success at winning the grants to an economic development effort begun in 2021 and later named B3K Prosperity. He said the collaboration led to the creation of tactics for overcoming fragmentation within the local sector.

The grants through the California Jobs First initiative are intended to fund improvements to the Mojave Air & Space Port, establishment of an innovation hub at CSUB and enhancement of an engineering workshop open to entrepreneurs in the Ridgecrest area.

Salters outlined several efforts he said will come together during the next two years. One will provide leadership within the local industry cluster, including formalization of a “public-private-federal” steering committee and execution of an agreement guiding collaboration.

There will also be a significant expansion of the Mojave Aerospace Accelerator, he said, as well as a broadening of efforts to commercialize military technology.

Additionally, the industry’s growth will benefit from greater use of the Aerospace Valley brand name, development of a business retention and expansion strategy, and construction of a pipeline of companies exploring expansion or relocation within the region, Salters noted.

He said Aerospace Valley, which encompasses much of Antelope Valley, is one of three industry clusters in California, with the other two focused in Southern California and the area around Vandenberg Space Force Base in the Lompoc area. Salters said there is hope that the three can be integrated in a way that benefits all three.

One-quarter of the grant sum will be spent on a project known as Techgrid that CEO Bryan Went of Camarillo-based Future Laboratories said will foster collaboration and innovation among the U.S. Navy, small businesses, industry leaders, academic, government agencies and the U.S. military.

CEO and General Manager David G. Smith at Mojave Air & Space Port, which scored $3.1 million in state grant money, described three construction projects at the facility that are expected to create close to 1,000 construction jobs he predicted will be “repeatable over time.”

The three consist of the repair of a hangar door at the facility, a roof repair job at a building whose next tenant Smith said has already been lined up, and rehabilitation work on a road that offers access to rocket test sites around Mojave.

Already, he said, the air and space port houses 60 “mission partners” supporting 3,000 jobs.

“We can grow that number and absolutely make it better,” Smith added.

Among other speakers at the event was President Vernon B. Harper Jr. of CSUB, which took the lead in applying for the state grant money.

Harper recalled the region’s substantial contributions to the aerospace industry, saying, “We’re not finished making history yet.”

He voiced optimism for the cluster’s future, including for entrepreneurs looking to find ways to innovate in aerospace.

“We believe in the talent, the ingenuity of the people that call this place home,” he said.

https://www.bakersfield.com/news/were-not-finished-making-history-yet-csub-hosts-celebration-of-aerospace-defense-grants/article_72c1ad59-98a6-48c8-bc1a-6a7919e2b32b.html

By Faughn Uncategorized 0 Comments

Meeting Aug. 26 to discuss potential HSR Hanford facility

California High Speed Rail Authority says to to keep the 500-mile California high-speed rail system running smoothly, operations and maintenance facilities will be located along the route between  San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim.
Each type of facility will perform a distinct role in  maintaining rail infrastructure, servicing trains and supporting safe and reliable passenger operations.
Maintenance activities will operate 24 hours a day across three overlapping shifts, with most  major work occurring overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to minimize effects on train operations.
One Heavy Maintenance Facility (HMF) will serve as the primary location for inspections, servicing,  maintenance, overhaul and major component replacement for the high-speed train fleet. The HMF  will be located along the Early Operating Segment in the Central Valley.
The Authority is evaluating two potential sites near Fresno and Hanford as part of the environmental review process. At full buildout in 2040, the HMF is anticipated to employ approximately 450 skilled day- and night-shift workers. Total long-term employment at the selected site, including associated facilities, is anticipated to range from approximately 1,500 to 2,000 positions.
The Kings County site being evaluated is south of 198 near Hwy. 43 and Houston.
By Faughn Logistics • Manufacturing • New Location • Uncategorized 0 Comments

Regional Agricultural Manufacturer Leases Entire Former Quad/Graphics Plant In Merced

A regional agricultural manufacturer has leased the entire former Quad/Graphics plant in Merced, returning the approximately 500,000-square-foot facility to industrial use. Industrial Realty Group announced the full-building lease for the property at 2201 Cooper Ave., which sits on approximately 42.6 acres near Highway 99.

The facility includes manufacturing and warehouse space, an on-site electrical substation, employee and trailer parking and land available for potential expansion. The property is also served by Union Pacific and BNSF rail lines, with interior and exterior rail access that can be used to transport raw materials and finished products. Industrial Realty Group Chief Investment Officer Justin Lichter said the property’s infrastructure, rail access and location in the Central Valley made it well suited for agricultural manufacturing.

The lease fills a large industrial property that became available after Quad/Graphics ended operations at the Merced plant in 2023. The commercial printing company had operated at the Cooper Avenue location for decades. Industrial Realty Group later acquired the facility and marketed it for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution use. The property’s location provides access to Highway 99 and agricultural operations throughout Merced County and the San Joaquin Valley. Industrial Realty Group owns and manages industrial and commercial properties across the United States.

https://losbanosenterprise.com/business/industry/2026/regional-agricultural-manufacturer-leases-entire-former-quad-graphics-plant-in-merced/

By Faughn Distribution • New Location 0 Comments

Global Tenant Commits To 1.27 Million Square Feet At CapRock Partners’ Central Point III In Visalia

CapRock Partners (“CapRock”), a privately owned investor and developer of industrial real estate in the Western and Central U.S., today announced that Building 1 at CapRock Central Point III in Visalia, has been fully leased to an undisclosed global corporate tenant. The 1,270,750-square-foot commitment ranks among the largest industrial lease transactions completed in California’s Central Valley in recent years, as CapRock continues to provide best-in-class industrial facilities that serve modern logistics, distribution and manufacturing enterprises.

Building 1 is a Class A logistics and distribution facility spanning approximately 75 acres. It represents the first building within CapRock Central Point III, a four-building, 2.7-million-square-foot speculative industrial development. The project is part of CapRock’s larger 5-million-square-foot, LEED-certified Central Point masterplan, which has consistently attracted major occupiers seeking operational scale, efficiency and strategic access to the Western U.S.

“CapRock Central Point III is designed for the next generation of supply chain strategy,” said Monique Snowden, vice president of asset management at CapRock Partners. “Today’s occupiers are looking for strategic locations that can help them move faster, operate more efficiently and scale with confidence. Visalia delivers a rare combination of access, labor and capacity, and this Building 1 lease further validates the Central Valley’s emergence as a prime logistics hub serving the West Coast and beyond.”

Strategically positioned in the heart of California, Visalia has evolved into one of the state’s most compelling industrial markets. The region offers direct access to major transportation infrastructure, a growing labor force and a business-friendly environment, while providing the scale and cost efficiencies increasingly sought by large occupiers. Industry leaders including UPS, Amazon, Ace Hardware, Smucker’s, VF Corporation, FedEx and International Paper have established operations within Visalia’s expanding industrial corridor.

Located at 4001 N. Plaza Drive, Building 1 provides convenient access to State Route 99 and regional transportation networks connecting to Interstates 5 and 80. The property’s location enables tenants to reach more than 50 million consumers within a one-day ground shipping radius, making it one of the few locations in the United States capable of serving such a significant population base with next-day delivery.

The cross-dock facility features 40-foot clear heights, 274 dock-high doors, two ground-level doors and approximately 6,600 square feet of office space. Additional features include ESFR sprinklers, ample power, 890 automobile parking stalls, a fully secured and fenced yard, drive-around circulation, 185-foot truck court depths and 542 excess trailer parking stalls designed to support high-volume logistics operations.

“The Building 1 lease transaction represents a broader evolution taking place across the supply chain, as occupiers seek greater resiliency, speed to market and long-term operating advantages,” said Bob O’Neill, executive vice president at CapRock Partners. “The Central Valley is a compelling alternative for companies looking to optimize distribution networks while maintaining access to the West Coast’s largest consumer base. CapRock continue invest in facilities that not only meet the sophisticated needs of global tenants but also generate meaningful economic benefits and employment opportunities throughout the region.”

The lease was facilitated by Mike Fowler, executive managing director at JLL, and his partners, Mike McCrary and Mac Hewett. Terms of the lease transaction are undisclosed.

CapRock now owns approximately 3.5 million square feet in the Central Valley, with additional land for future phases of CapRock Central Point.

https://caprock-partners.com/global-tenant-commits-to-1-27-million-square-feet-at-caprock-partners-central-point-iii-in-visalia/

By Faughn Uncategorized 0 Comments

Kristina Gallagher brings statewide policy experience to Madera County economic development leadership

After building a career in state government, legislative affairs and local government advocacy, Kristina Gallagher is helping shape the next chapter of Madera County’s economy. Since becoming executive director of the Madera County Economic Development Commission (MCEDC) in 2024, Gallagher has focused on attracting new investment, supporting local businesses and building partnerships that strengthen the county’s long-term economic future.

In this Executive Profile, Gallagher discusses her career journey, the opportunities and challenges facing Madera County, and the personal experiences that continue to shape her leadership.

What we do:

We work to position Madera County as an economically viable and vibrant county by aggressively pursuing growth avenues for new and existing businesses, thereby maximizing employment opportunities, the tax base and the quality of life.

What are your roots in the Central Valley?

Kristina Gallagher: I moved to Madera County from Galt, California, in 2024 to accept the executive director position with the MCEDC. In my previous position, I had the opportunity to work with county leaders throughout the Central Valley and grew to understand the issues they faced and found that their values closely aligned with my own.

I ultimately decided to put down roots and purchased a home. The strong sense of community, family and excellent schools made it an easy decision. I knew it was the right place to raise my daughter, and I couldn’t be happier to call Madera County home.

Tell us about your career.

My career path took an unexpected turn because of a deeply personal tragedy. In April 2023, my husband and the father of my daughter was killed in a horrific car accident. That loss changed my life and everything I had ever known.

When the opportunity at MCEDC came along, I knew it was the right next step. Moving from Galt to Madera meant leaving behind everything familiar, but it also gave me and my daughter a chance for a new beginning. While I continue to navigate that loss, I’m grateful for the welcoming community and renewed sense of purpose I’ve found here.

Before joining MCEDC, I worked for the California State Association of Counties, where I worked on legislation and secured state funding for housing and transportation initiatives. I also worked at a Sacramento lobbying firm representing local governments, nonprofit organizations and trade associations, and earlier in my career served in Gov. Jerry Brown’s constituent affairs unit.

Looking back, each step of my career has prepared me for this role. Housing, transportation, business and the political environment are all interconnected, and each plays a vital role in economic development.

Tell us about your current position.

A huge part of my job is bringing people together at the table. I work closely with businesses, developers, state and local government officials to build partnerships and advance initiatives that create opportunities that benefit the entire community.

My primary focus is business attraction, expansion and retention. I work with local businesses to understand their challenges, identify solutions and connect them with resources that help them remain and grow in Madera County.

How would you describe the current economic landscape in Madera County and the opportunities you see ahead?

I believe we’re at such an exciting moment in Madera County’s history. While many communities across California have experienced slower housing and population growth, Madera County continues to thrive, ranking second in the state for housing growth and third for population growth, according to the California Department of Finance.

At the same time, we are not immune to the challenges facing rural communities across California. Inflation, unfunded state mandates and an evolving political landscape continue to impact businesses and economic development efforts.

We need to continue advocating for policies that support sustainable growth, job creation and the business community.

What role does MCEDC play in strengthening the county’s economic future?

MCEDC’s role is to support our existing businesses while also attracting new opportunities to Madera County.

Although we’re a small team of three, we accomplish a great deal by working closely with our local governments, business community and regional partners. Our business assistance and office manager oversees business support programs, while our manager of business development and marketing leads our marketing and community engagement efforts.

What has been your most rewarding part of serving as executive director?

It has been the opportunity to build relationships and advocate for Madera County.

One accomplishment I’m proud of was organizing MCEDC’s legislative mission to Sacramento, where several of our board members met with state legislators to share Madera County’s opportunities, challenges and priorities.

I was also honored to help Gimme Health Foods Inc. secure the highly competitive CalCompetes Tax Credit, which will help create jobs and strengthen our local economy.

What are some of the challenges you have faced so far in your career?

Like in any career, there are always challenges, but I’ve learned how important it is to have people who believe in your potential.

Sometimes it only takes one person to offer encouragement or take a chance on you. I’ve been really fortunate to have a supportive family, along with mentors and leaders who have helped guide me throughout my career.

What was your very first job, and what did you learn from it?

My first job was as a teacher’s aide at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center’s preschool in La Jolla during my college summer breaks. I loved working with kids and had the best time, but it definitely taught me patience.

Any hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my daughter and playing tennis.

Fun fact: I earned a full-ride tennis scholarship to Utah State University, and I still love getting out on the court whenever I have the chance.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/kristina-gallagher-madera-county-economic-development-commission/

By Faughn Commercial • Economy 0 Comments

A $21 million Fresno shopping center sale flew under the radar until now

The largest retail investment sale in the Central Valley so far this year happened in northeast Fresno with little public notice — and it took a second major deal to reveal it.

Riverview Shopping Center, at the northeast corner of Friant and Fort Washington roads, sold for $21.02 million back in January, according to a first-quarter Fresno retail report from commercial brokerage Lee & Associates. The multi-tenant center, which includes nightlife hotspots The Standard, The Woodward and Starving Artist’s Bistro, totals 109,681 square feet in the report, putting the sale price at $191.70 per square foot. The report lists the seller as LeFever Mattson Property Management and identifies the buyer as United Brands. County assessor records list the buyer as Riverview Center LLC, with Nesser D. Zahriya listed as an agent in state records.

According to BizProfile.net , Zahriya is also involved with South San Francisco-based Jz Developments LLC as the manager and registered agent.

The transaction didn’t seem to make the local news headlines when it closed. Its standing became clear only after Cedar Tree Village Shopping Center sold in July for $20.85 million. In reporting on that deal, brokerage Visintainer Group and data provider CoStar identified Cedar Tree as the region’s second- largest retail investment sale of 2026 — ranking it behind Riverview.

Riverview sits directly across from Woodward Park, at an intersection that carries about 26,377 vehicles a day, according to leasing brokerage Retail California. The center’s tenants include Starbucks, Panda Express, Fleet Feet Sports, Sport Clips, several restaurants and a fitness center, along with salon and service uses. Retail California markets the property for lease and lists average household income within one mile at $169,402, citing Claritas data.

The sale closed as Fresno’s retail fundamentals held steady. Lee & Associates reported a vacancy rate of 5.7% in the first quarter, modestly above historical averages after recent construction added supply. Average asking rents were about $19.50 per square foot, with annual growth of 0.9%, according to the report. The brokerage said new deliveries have outpaced tenant demand over the past year, contributing to the uptick in vacancy.

Amanda Brock, a senior executive vice president and principal at Lee & Associates, wrote in the report that performance varied by property type, with power centers holding the lowest vacancy while malls and neighborhood centers remained more challenged.

Cedar Tree Village, a 118,417-square-foot grocery-anchored center at Herndon and Cedar avenues, closed July 16 when Cedar Tree Village LLC sold to Irvine-based Pacific Castle PM Inc. Visintainer Group, which represented the seller, said the property drew seven qualified offers.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/a-21-million-fresno-shopping-center-sale-flew-under-the-radar-until-now/

By Faughn Hi-Tech • Manufacturing • Renewable Energy • Uncategorized 0 Comments

Solar component makers plans 600 jobs

Solar components manufacturer AMPS is proposing to establish a solar module assembly facility located at 10652 Jackson Ave., the former Del Monte plant on the outskirts of Hanford. The vacant facility is huge at 1.3 million square feet. Del Monte closed the processing plant in 2025.

Now Kings County will get some of those jobs back if this deal goes through.

According to a public notice, the solar module assembly facility (up to 8 gigawatts) includes production line installation inside an existing industrial facility with no building expansion or structural changes. There are no hazardous manufacturing processes proposed. The project proposal is limited to interior equipment installation and solar module assembly operations within existing buildings. Operations will include automated assembly lines, packaging, warehousing, shipping, receiving, and related office and support uses.

Phase 1 will include assembly lines in Warehouse #1 and Warehouse #2 and finished product storage and distribution in Warehouse #3 and Warehouse #4. Phase 2 includes future expansion of assembly into Warehouse #3 and/or Warehouse #4 if needed. There will be an estimated 10-20 truck trips per day during operations. The facility will operate up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, depending on demand, and will have approximately 200 employees per shift or 600 total.

AMPS is a Hesperia-based manufacturer located just on the outskirts of Los Angeles. AMPS stands for American Made Power Solution.

“At AMPS, we proudly manufacture our high-quality solar products in Southern California, operating from two state-of-the-art factories. These facilities leverage the latest solar technology to ensure reliability and efficiency. By adhering to strict quality and safety standards, we deliver exceptional products that support the local economy and promote sustainability. Choose AMPS for solar solutions that exemplify American craftsmanship and innovation,” their website boasts.

The company serves residential, commercial, industrial (C&I), and utility-scale projects. Currently it operates out of a 150,000 square foot advanced manufacturing facility in Southern California. It has been expanding its production lines to reach an annual manufacturing capacity of 1.5 GW.

https://hanfordsentinel.com/business/agriculture/solar-component-makers-plans-600-jobs-john-lindt/article_fb64ae42-8702-4c01-b6bd-91ef1002f0f3.html