Cimco to Relocate Its Corona Operations to New Plant in Nevada

COSTA MESA —  Cimco Inc., a plastics molding company, on Thursday joined the parade of manufacturers planning to move a production plant out of California.

The Costa Mesa-based company said it will move its large-part molding operations in Corona to a new $5.5-million plant in an industrial park outside Carson City, Nev. Most of the 148 workers at the Corona plant will be offered jobs at the new plant, in the Dayton Industrial Park in Nevada, or at other Cimco plants.

Cimco President Russell Gilbert cited lower utility costs, proximity to customers in Utah and Northern California and a more positive business climate in choosing Nevada. Company spokeswoman S. Suki Shattuck said California’s high workers’ compensation costs, as well as Nevada’s absence of a personal income tax, were also factors in deciding to relocate nearly a fifth of Cimco’s employees out of state.

The plant makes large plastic parts like computer housings, light covers for garage door openers and toilet valves. Most of the jobs pay somewhat better than minimum wage, and managers compose 10% to 15% of the work force.

Cimco has 825 employees at five plants, including two plants and the company headquarters in Costa Mesa. Shattuck said the company employs about 350 workers in Orange County, where there are no current plans to move operations.