Business and Industry in Hayward CA
Businesses of all types and sizes call Hayward home. The city’s strategic location in the bustling East Bay gives it unmatched advantages in access to transportation networks, retail sites, colleges and workforce training, a large source of educated employees and an elevated quality of life.
Companies look to Hayward as an optimal place for relocation and expansion – aiding in establishing its business community as one of the largest and most diversified in Alameda County. The mix of industries provides for an energetic and cooperative economic climate.
The manufacturing sector is varied, with leading companies that include major employers such as Berkeley Farms (dairy products); Plastikon (plastics); Pepsi (beverages); Marelich Mechanical (HVAC systems); ConXtech (steel); and Morgan Advanced Ceramics (ceramic and carbon products).
Among the more than 100 food distributors and manufacturers are Annabelle Candy, Casa Sanchez Foods, Azuma Foods, Pacific Cheese, Sugar Bowl Bakery, Oven Fresh Bakery, and Pucci Foods. Baxter International, RefleXion Medical, Arcus Bioscience, Lonza Biologics and Biolog are among the leaders in Hayward’s growing life sciences sector of more than 200 companies.
The growing “advanced industries” sector includes MDC Vacuum Products (scientific components), Siemens (metering and security systems), EKC Technology (specialty chemicals), and Therm-X (semiconductors).
The retail sector is essential to the health of the Hayward economy. A range of stores, restaurants and automobile dealerships dot the map of Hayward. Southland Mall is a regional shopping destination with 150 retailers, restaurants and a movie theater complex.
Employment services are offered by a variety of agencies, including the Rubicon Programs / AJCC. The business community has access to support services through the City of Hayward, the Alameda County Workforce Investment Board and the Alameda County Small Business Development Center. The Hayward Chamber of Commerce is a partner with these organizations and offers workshops for businesses and a career pathways program for students.