Manufacturers are heading to markets north of Los Angeles for industrial space. Tejon Ranch has become a landing pad for these industrial users, who are finding new development, build-to-suit opportunities and good company, with companies like IKEA, Caterpillar, Famous Footwear, L'Oreal and Dollar General as neighboring tenants.

"At Tejon Ranch we're seeing an increase of inquiries about available space from manufacturers and large corporations seeking solutions to their western U.S. supply chain distribution, as well as third-party logistics," Joseph N. Rentfro, EVP of real estate for Tejon Ranch Co.," tells GlobeSt.com. "Moreover, we're speaking with a variety of Los Angeles-based businesses seeking higher-quality buildings at lower rents who want to stay local, but who find current rents in LA unpalatable. In addition, due to the increased demand in this sector and extraordinarily low vacancy rates, we're also seeing more inquiries regarding build-to-suit opportunities."

The neighboring large corporations is an important element to attracting manufacturers. "Being near manufacturing hubs allows for quick shipping times as well as supply chain risk mitigation," says Rentfro. "As an example, the Tejon Ranch Commerce Center can provide regional supply chain distribution to just-in-time local delivery that allow companies to bring their distribution hubs closer to their customers. That's a huge advantage for manufacturers."