With plenty of space available, Visalia's industrial park continues to grow

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Visalia-Porterville area has made some major strides in terms of economic strength, year over year growth, and what's considered a prime workforce.

That's according to a recent report in Area Development Magazine, which placed the South Valley region 64th in the country-the highest in the Valley.

Vice Mayor Bob Link has seen the city's industrial park change dramatically over the years.

He says city staff has taken an aggressive, yet selective approach to bringing in successful businesses that not only create jobs and tax revenue but contribute to the betterment of the city.

"We've now become a distribution center and we've gotten some strong people in here," Link said.

Last fall, city officials confirmed UPS would move to a 58-acre site at the northeast corner of Plaza Drive and Riggin Avenue.

There is more land available at that intersection too, and overall, there are approximately 1,000 acres of industrial opportunities on the city's northwest side.

In the new year, there's already plenty of activity underway, especially in the area of American Street.

That's where the city says Golden State Overnight plans to open their main distribution hub, employing at least 70 people to start.

"We also have available land that is inexpensive and that's I think another reason that people come into this area," Link said.

Nearby and closer to the highway is the city's business research park.

A company called Valley Ag Software will move into a building there, and there's also a new hotel being built across the street.

The city also says they are positioned well to welcome food processing facilities, due to the fact their wastewater treatment plant is getting a major upgrade.