As published in the 6/26/23 issue of the Orange County Business Journal.
More than 60 years ago, Irvine was master planned to be an economic powerhouse. Today, the city is a global destination for companies looking to expand or start a business.
Companies already established here know first-hand the reasons that make Irvine a hub for technology and innovation. Irvine is home to high-tech firms and enterprises, including startups, established companies, and branches of larger corporations, that are doing things in new and innovative ways.
Soaring to New Heights
As a leader in the design, development, integration, production, and support of multiple technologies for military aerospace, ground combat vehicles, and naval vessels, Meggitt Defense — which is becoming the Defense Systems Division within Parker Aerospace — lands a futuristic presence in Irvine. The organization provides support for aircraft including the P-8 Poseidon, F/A-18E Super Hornet, V-22 Osprey, F-35 Lightning II, and MH-60 Seahawk.
Parker Aerospace announced in May that it entered an agreement with the U.S. Army for a five-year contract providing overhaul and upgrade to the UH-60 Blackhawk hydraulic pump and flight control actuation.
Established with its headquarters in Irvine in 2013, Terran Orbital Corporation, a global leader in satellite-based solutions primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries, in May broke ground on a new 94,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art satellite manufacturing facility replacing its original location in Irvine. With the larger facility, Terran is also looking to onboard additional contracts and satellite orders.
A Healthy Future
Innovation is being made in Irvine’s direct patient care sector. New facilities will accommodate the delivery of leading-edge care. Major construction projects are visibly underway in the north, south, and central parts of the city. These expansions belong to future hospitals and treatment centers by three of the region’s well-known and largest healthcare systems.
Innovation is being made inside and out at UCI Health. Along with deploying state-of-the-art treatment and technology, UCI Health is growing its footprint along Jamboree north of MacArthur — but not its carbon footprint. Likely the nation’s first all-electric medical campus, UCI Health’s new $1.3 billion, 800,000-square-foot medical complex, which includes a hospital and specialty centers, expects to begin seeing patients by 2025.
As part of its $1.5 billion campus, City of Hope’s new Irvine hospital is under construction at the FivePoint Gateway adjacent to the Great Park. Orange County’s only specialty hospital focused exclusively on treating and curing cancer is slated to see its first patients in 2025. The new six-story hospital will be connected to the Lennar Foundation Cancer Center which opened in August 2022.
Hoag Health has invested $1 billion for expansion taking place on Sand Canyon Ave. Patient care will be delivered through an innovative concept — a “village” of dedicated healthcare centers. Patients will be able to receive full-scope care for specific conditions through dedicated “wellness villages” focused on needs such as cancer treatment, reproductive care, and digestive issues.
Stellar Quality of Life
In addition to its ranking by the FBI as the Safest City of its size in America for 17 consecutive years, Irvine is also rated the best in California and 4th in the Nation for its park system. That’s no surprise since an astonishing 26% of land in Irvine is parkland. And we’ve got more in store for families and visitors to enjoy.
In May, Irvine celebrated the next phase of development of its park system’s crown jewel — the Great Park.
The Great Park’s framework plan includes adding more than 300 acres of public space to its existing sports and recreation facilities, including innovative integration of lakes, gardens, meadows, entertainment venues, and space to honor our military veterans. At 1,300 acres, the Great Park will be one of the largest municipal parks in the world. It is certainly one of
the best.
These are just a few of the many exciting developments taking place in Irvine. There are countless other expansions and innovations occurring at new, established, large and small organizations, fueled by some of the brightest minds.
On a Mission
As Irvine continues to evolve in innovative and responsible ways, so does the Greater Irvine Chamber.
In its 44th year of operation, the Greater Irvine Chamber continues its mission to advance the economic vitality of greater Irvine. We remain focused on connecting business leaders to the people and resources they need to help their organizations thrive. I invite you to connect with us so you can maximize your potential for business growth.
—Bryan Starr
President & CEO,
Greater Irvine Chamber
