Animatronics Supplier’s San Bernardino County HQ Search Underscores Collaboration

By Dennis Kaiser

The world’s largest designer and builder of animatronics for theme parks and attractions around the world, Garner Holt Productions, Inc., recently confirmed the expansion and relocation of its corporate headquarters to the city of Redlands in San Bernardino County. The move doubles the manufacturer’s footprint. The move represents the increasing importance of local government officials and supporting organizations in working proactively to retain companies.

Connect Media asked San Bernardino County’s Reg Javier how the deal came together in our latest 3 CRE Q&A.

Q: How did collaboration between several entities play a role in helping Garner Holt Productions in its site search?

A: Initiated by the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, the City of Redlands spearheaded the collaborative efforts to retain this important company in San Bernardino County. That included a host of stakeholders such as the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency, Southern California Edison, San Bernardino Community College District’s Economic Development & Corporate Training Foundation, and California Manufacturing Technology Consulting, which all participated in the initial meeting with Garner Holt Productions. From there, each organization provided their respective support and programs in successive follow-up meetings throughout the firm’s site selection process, which included cities within the county and neighboring states.

San Bernardino County’s Economic Development Agency facilitated key meetings between Garner Holt Productions and its various resource partners, to ensure the company could take advantage of a number of incentives during their expansion such as Go-Biz CA Competes. The County’s workforce development agency is also supporting the firm’s staffing needs as it plans for its business growth.

This collaborative approach is important to ensuring that we meet all the needs of our businesses, especially those who are looking to grow and add jobs to our economy.

Q: How does the new location match Garner Holt’s growth plans?

A: With the move and expansion, Garner Holt Productions will continue to create its animatronics and themed attraction experiences, as well as expand into educational products and services. According to its founder, the company recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Over that time, the company has been getting bigger and been able to serve its clients better. The new building more than doubles the size of its current studio and staff.

Q: How important was keeping Garner Holt Productions in San Bernardino County?

A: Garner Holt founded the company in his parent’s garage in an unincorporated part of San Bernardino County in 1977, and grew the company into a major supplier of animatronics, special effects, show action systems and original creative design for clients such as Disney, Universal, Knott’s Berry Farm, Mattel, Nike and many more. They are important to the county because they demonstrate that entrepreneurs can successfully thrive and evolve into global leaders here. Another reason they are so important is that Garner is personally invested in the community. The firm “adopted” Bing Wong Elementary School, and sponsors the Garner Holt Productions Fast Pitch Competition at California State University, San Bernardino.

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Kaiser