Urgent Call for Manufacturing Growth in Solano County Now
UPDATE: A panel of industry leaders and economic experts has issued an urgent call for immediate action to bolster manufacturing in Solano County, warning that the region risks missing a critical economic opportunity. During a breakfast event hosted by the Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC) on October 5, 2023, in Fairfield, speakers highlighted the county’s potential but emphasized the need for swift and bold investments in infrastructure and policy.
The event, held in a warehouse designed to showcase the area’s manufacturing capabilities, revealed that over 35% of Solano’s skilled workforce, including engineers and machinists, commute out of the county each day. Chris Rico, CEO of the Solano EDC, stated, “People should be able to live, work, and retire in Solano County,” stressing the urgency for local job creation to reverse this troubling trend.
Panelist Greg Matter, Vice Chairman of JLL, noted a staggering 400% increase in national manufacturing capacity, while California’s demand has only risen by 1.7%. He criticized the state’s slow regulatory response, which led to losses for local opportunities, including Tesla’s recent move to Sparks, Nevada. “It was all about speed,” Matter said, emphasizing that Solano County must act decisively to attract and retain manufacturing jobs.
Matt Regan, Senior Vice President of Public Policy with the Bay Area Council, echoed these sentiments, stating that California has missed out on significant job growth from President Biden’s CHIPS Act and now faces a pivotal moment with the upcoming SHIPS Act. Regan argued, “Solano shouldn’t be a bedroom community for the rest of the Bay Area,” calling for a more aggressive stance on growth and housing development.
The panel’s discussions underscored the need for targeted investments to create a vibrant manufacturing hub. The potential for the California Forever Solano Foundry project was highlighted as a beacon of hope, with projections that each manufacturing job could generate two to six additional jobs in the region.
However, challenges remain. Chris Stout, Director of Operations for Torey Advanced Composites, revealed ongoing struggles to find skilled machinists and blue-collar workers, stating, “It’s just an endless cycle where we struggle.” This concern was amplified by Regan, who noted that the Bay Area’s housing crisis exacerbates commute issues, further driving talent away from Solano County.
The panelists called for immediate action from lawmakers and business leaders to streamline regulations and enhance infrastructure. “California has the talent and the workforce to make this happen,” Matter asserted, but urged that proactive measures are essential to capitalize on the region’s potential.
As October is recognized as manufacturing month, the EDC organized a corresponding career fair to connect local businesses with job seekers, further emphasizing the urgency of this initiative.
The time for action is now, and Solano County’s leaders must embrace this moment to transform potential into reality. The future of manufacturing in the region hangs in the balance, and swift, decisive action is essential to secure its economic future.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on how Solano can become a manufacturing powerhouse.
