Located in the southwestern region of Los Angeles County, Torrance is a coastal city that ranks consistently among the 10 safest mid-sized cities in the U.S. Diverse in every aspect, Torrance boasts the highest concentration of Japanese companies in Southern California and the second highest concentration of ethnic Japanese in the whole state.
“We really do consider ourselves to be a balanced city. We have international and homegrown businesses. We have residential, commercial and industrial — and we try to keep all of that working in harmony. As economic developers, it is important that we have a city council that is very business friendly. Our job boils down to relationship building,” said Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton.
Situated between two of the busiest ports of entry in the country — Los Angeles International Airport and the port complex of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Torrance was unsurprisingly the chosen location for operations for global Japanese brands Toyota, Honda, Pentel and All Nippon Airways, as well as more than 200 others.
Having a strong presence of large companies from all industries, Torrance also prides itself in being able to cultivate and nurture its own small businesses through a business incubator and accelerator, as well as working in partnership with local colleges and universities.
“Our doors are open for business. We are welcoming to any Japanese company looking for a place to call home,” Mayor Patrick Furey stressed.
