RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA—CBRE SVP Len Santoro brought a little more “green” to San Bernardino County this August, as he found a home for XT Green's new advanced manufacturing operation. The 126,620-square-foot facility in Rancho Cucamonga, CA—which will double as the company's headquarters—will operate the company's new technology that recovers carpet from landfills. In the process, XT Green is looking to add 60 “green jobs,” including both skilled advanced manufacturing positions and office support.

Santora shared more on XT Green's site selection process, what tenants are looking for today and what makes the County a strong choice for advanced manufacturing in this EXCLUSIVE interview for GlobeSt.com.

GlobeSt.com: What are the key requirements for companies when considering expansion and relocation?

Santora: In today's market, business entities that are relocating or expanding consider workforce availability as extremely important for sourcing entry level, fulfillment and technology positions. Within San Bernardino County, there are diverse pockets of talented, experienced labor pools from which companies can draw. Along with surveys of new facilities or about to become available locations, firms require demographic and employment information. Property site selection along with proposed wages and benefits are also under consideration prior to the creation of a tenant's Letter of Intent to Lease.

GlobeSt.com: How important is workforce in site selection and what criteria are important for a company to consider?

Santoro: Diligent site selection is extremely important for a business. Actual real estate rental and operating expenses encompass a small fraction of overall costs to both manufacture and distribute/fulfill. A greater priority is drawing from a diverse/experienced/well trained population. That is critical for a company's success, growth and profits. San Bernardino County encompasses all of the above.

GlobeSt.com: How has San Bernardino County compared as a choice for business expansion?

Santoro: The majority of the new construction of manufacturing and distribution centers in the County began in the early 2000s. Many assume proximity to the ports, existing major distribution centers, new affordable housing options and retail services attract many companies to San Bernardino County. However, the demographic demonstrates a well-trained and well-educated diverse labor base.

The County provides a breadth of training and education resources. The Industrial Technical Learning Center (InTech) in Fontana provides immediate skills training in advanced manufacturing. In addition to a strong community college system, the County benefits from close proximity to UC Riverside and CSU, San Bernardino as well as The Claremont Colleges that include Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College as well as two graduate institutions include Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute.

These academic institutions provide millennials with the skill sets that are in high demand. Technology and innovation is the key to both security and business success. Companies are attracted to this environment as the County provides both opportunity and affordability for recent college graduates.

GlobeSt.com: Can you share more on the XT Green transaction and what drove their desire to locate to the County?

Santoro: The latest in green technological companies, XT Green was attracted to both the city of Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino County for many reasons. The location is ideally situated to attract experienced and recent graduates for its technical positions. The residential demographic for buyers and growing rental base easily fulfills new employee housing needs. As is typical of San Bernardino County, the city of Rancho Cucamonga is extremely business-friendly with a welcoming attitude and business-friendly leaders. Upon completion of the first phase of manufacturing and the planned expansion of employment, XT Green believes it can attract new employees to capture the growth of its technological process to repurpose formerly-used carpeting.

GlobeSt.com: How is the County positioned for more advanced manufacturing growth?

Santoro: San Bernardino County is well positioned for future growth in technology and the technical advances that have been made since 2000. Our cities and county have embraced technology with a passion and have demonstrated a resolve to attract and position new technological companies in both its large base of industrial and office-zoned properties. With the addition of newly-completed and under-construction homes, rental units and modern retail developments, San Bernardino County has demonstrated a forward-thinking attitude can and will attract more advanced manufacturing.

GlobeSt.com: What are the key requirements for companies when considering expansion and relocation?

GlobeSt.com: How important is workforce in site selection and what criteria are important for a company to consider?

GlobeSt.com: How has San Bernardino County compared as a choice for business expansion?

GlobeSt.com: Can you share more on the XT Green transaction and what drove their desire to locate to the County?

GlobeSt.com: How is the County positioned for more advanced manufacturing growth?

Instant Insights /

Environmentally Friendly Business Finds a Home in San Bernardino County

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