Businesses moving to area bring workers with them

As Victor Monia moves his Momar Industries from California to Reno this summer, 38 of his firm's 40 employees will join him.

The story workers choosing to move when their employer comes to northern Nevada is growing increasingly common.

The reason? An influx of California companies that are moving lock, stock and barrel to northern Nevada.

"We haven't had total relocations such as this in the past," says Lisa Plummer, director of business development for the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada.

Companies that relocate their entire operation typically bring many of their employees with them, Plummer explains.

Out-of-town companies that expand with new warehouses or factories in northern Nevada tend to hire a majority of their workers locally.

Momar Industries, which makes the plastic covers found on microwavable soup containers among other products, isn't alone in bringing its workforce.

Twenty workers accompanied Pacific Coast Flange when it moved to Mound House from Ukiah, Calif.

The company's total employment in Nevada is about 30.

Most of approximately 40 staff members of PC Doctor came with the software diagnostic company when it moved to Reno last year from Emeryville, Calif.

The trend may disappoint those who expect new companies to provide jobs for existing residents, further reducing a jobless rate that stands at about 4 percent in Washoe County.

But Plummer says the overall effect in the economy is good as more jobs in basic industries are created, bringing new dollars to the region.

The effects are particularly noticeable when companies bring high-paying skilled jobs with them.

Monia, for instance, says the top pay among the 40 employees of his firm is $24 an hour, although the company also employs lower-skilled workers who make $8 an hour.

And while more companies in recent months have sought to escape California, Plummer says complete relocations remain a fairly small part of EDAWN's workload.

"We still have a lot more of the companies that are doing 90 percent of their hiring locally," she says.