Local Industry

   Southern California's sunny, Mediterranean climate and world famous beaches haven't always resulted in the laid back, slower paced counterpart to densely populated areas on the east coast. In fact, California supports the eighth largest economy in the world, and an increasing amount of that activity is centered in populous Orange County. Industry here ranges from movie making to retail, tourism and technology. Orange County is known as the center of California's Tech Coast, stretching from Santa Barbara to San Diego, having evolved from its beginnings in defense and aerospace manufacturing to computer, biotech, and robotics ventures.

   With its huge growth in recent decades, Orange County's building sector has also been an essential part of industry here. The Irvine Company is a major player in real estate, responsible for some of the nation's largest planned communities such as the city of Irvine, and Newport Coast. The Building Industry Association of Orange County also helps guide the growth of construction as a lobby group representing more than 900 companies.