The 805 region of California continues to attract major investment from companies working in aerospace, defense, biotechnology, technology, advanced manufacturing, research, and other high-value industries. From Ventura County to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, new facilities, expansions, acquisitions, and research operations are adding to an already diverse regional economy.
For residents, business owners, employees, and visitors, these investments are more than corporate announcements. New facilities can influence employment, commercial real estate, construction, transportation, housing demand, local services, and the growth of surrounding communities.
Several significant investments announced or underway in 2025 and 2026 provide a look at how major companies are expanding their presence in California's Central Coast and the communities that make up the 805 region of California.
Major Companies Investing in the 805 Region of California
Recent investments involving AeroVironment, Amgen, Google, and other technology and aerospace organizations highlight the range of industries choosing to expand their operations in the 805 region of California.
Ventura County Business Investment
Ventura County is home to a particularly strong mix of biotechnology, aerospace, defense, technology, manufacturing, and professional services. Major employers and specialized companies have established operations throughout communities including Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Simi Valley, and Westlake Village.
AeroVironment Plans $100 Million Moorpark Campus
AeroVironment announced in August 2026 that it plans to invest approximately $100 million in a new company-owned campus in Moorpark. The planned development covers roughly 20 acres and is intended to bring together teams and capabilities that are currently spread across five leased Southern California locations.
The Moorpark campus is expected to support a range of company activities, including research, engineering, design, prototyping, and production. The consolidation is part of AeroVironment's broader effort to create a unified operating location for its Southern California activities.
According to AeroVironment, construction and renovation activity is expected to begin in fiscal year 2028, with the campus expected to become fully operational in 2029. The project represents a substantial long-term investment in Moorpark and could contribute to additional demand for construction, professional services, suppliers, and other businesses serving the local economy.
AeroVironment is known for developing unmanned aircraft systems and other autonomous and defense-related technologies. Its growing presence in Ventura County also reinforces the area's role in Southern California's aerospace and defense industry.
Source: AeroVironment announcement dated August 24, 2026.
Amgen Expands Science and Innovation Operations in Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks remains one of the most important biotechnology centers in the 805 region, and Amgen's continued investment is a major part of that story.
In September 2025, Amgen announced plans to invest more than $600 million in a new Center for Science and Innovation at its global headquarters in Thousand Oaks. The company said the facility is designed to bring together researchers, engineers, and scientists working across different disciplines.
Amgen broke ground on the project in October 2025. The new center is intended to support research and innovation while incorporating advanced automation and digital capabilities.
The project also has potential implications beyond Amgen's campus. Large-scale biotechnology investment can create opportunities for specialized contractors, engineering firms, technology providers, professional services companies, restaurants, retailers, and other businesses that support a major employment center.
Amgen has been headquartered in Thousand Oaks since the company was founded in 1980. Its long-standing presence has helped establish the Conejo Valley as an important part of Southern California's biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem.
Source: Amgen announcements from September and October 2025.
Santa Barbara County Investment and Technology Growth
Santa Barbara County has long had a reputation for combining technology, research, entrepreneurship, aerospace, defense, education, and outdoor-oriented communities. Goleta and Santa Barbara in particular have developed concentrations of technology and research companies that connect the region to larger innovation centers throughout California.
Google Expands Its Goleta Footprint
Google has expanded its presence in Goleta with the acquisition of a property at 147 and 153 Castilian Drive.
According to reporting by the Santa Barbara Independent, Google purchased the approximately 83,356-square-foot campus for $32.5 million in 2026. The acquisition adds to Google's existing presence in the Goleta area.
Commercial real estate information cited in that reporting indicates that the purchase brings Google's overall Goleta footprint to approximately 300,000 square feet. The company's local operations have also been associated with advanced technology research, including work connected with quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
The expansion is significant for Goleta because the city has developed a substantial technology and research presence despite being considerably smaller than California's major metropolitan technology centers. Continued investment by large technology companies can help strengthen the network of engineers, researchers, suppliers, contractors, and professional services businesses operating in the area.
Source: Santa Barbara Independent (original source) reporting published August 24, 2026, citing commercial real estate information from Hayes Commercial Group.
Goleta's Growing Technology and Research Economy
Google's investment is part of a broader technology ecosystem in the Goleta and Santa Barbara area. The region benefits from proximity to the University of California, Santa Barbara, an established engineering and research community, and a collection of companies working in software, electronics, communications, energy, aerospace, and advanced technologies.
For local businesses, this type of economic concentration can create opportunities to serve both large employers and the employees who work for them. Restaurants, housing providers, commercial services, consultants, transportation companies, construction firms, and other businesses can all be affected by growth in high-skilled employment.
San Luis Obispo County and Aerospace Investment
San Luis Obispo County has a different economic profile from the larger technology and biotechnology centers farther south, but aerospace and advanced manufacturing are increasingly important parts of its business landscape.
AeroVironment Acquires ESAero in San Luis Obispo
In March 2026, AeroVironment completed its acquisition of Empirical Systems Aerospace, commonly known as ESAero. The San Luis Obispo-based company develops unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility platforms.
ESAero operates substantial facilities in San Luis Obispo, including approximately 32,000 square feet dedicated to design and prototyping and another approximately 53,000 square feet used for manufacturing. The company also has additional facilities supporting integration and testing.
The acquisition connects a San Luis Obispo aerospace company with a much larger publicly traded aerospace and defense organization. For the local economy, the combination helps highlight the county's ability to support specialized engineering, design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing operations.
Source: AeroVironment announcement dated March 16, 2026.
San Luis Obispo's Advanced Manufacturing Potential
San Luis Obispo County is sometimes better known for tourism, agriculture, wine, education, and its quality of life than for aerospace manufacturing. However, companies operating in specialized technology sectors demonstrate another side of the regional economy.
Advanced manufacturing businesses require engineers, technicians, machinists, designers, software specialists, testing professionals, suppliers, and other skilled workers. As these companies expand, they can contribute to a broader network of businesses throughout San Luis Obispo County.
Why Companies Choose the 805 Region of California
The 805 region of California offers a combination of characteristics that can make it attractive to companies seeking locations outside California's largest metropolitan areas.
Access to Skilled Talent
The region includes several universities and colleges, including UC Santa Barbara, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura County Community College District institutions. These schools help provide graduates and specialized talent for technology, engineering, science, business, and other industries.
Established Technology and Research Communities
Santa Barbara County and Ventura County already have established technology and research businesses. New companies can benefit from an existing network of workers, suppliers, contractors, consultants, and service providers.
Aerospace and Defense Infrastructure
The 805 region has a long history of aerospace and defense activity. Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, aerospace companies in Ventura County, and specialized manufacturing and engineering operations in San Luis Obispo County all contribute to the region's broader aerospace economy.
Proximity to Southern California Markets
The 805 region sits between Los Angeles and the Central Coast, providing companies with access to major Southern California markets while offering communities that are generally smaller than Los Angeles, Orange County, or the Inland Empire.
Research and Innovation
University research, private-sector laboratories, aerospace development, biotechnology, software, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing are creating an increasingly diverse innovation economy across the region.
Major Industries Driving Investment in the 805 Region
Aerospace and Defense
Aerospace and defense remain among the most recognizable technology-driven industries in the 805. Companies involved in unmanned systems, aircraft technologies, space-related activities, engineering, testing, and manufacturing contribute to employment and business activity throughout the three-county region.
Vandenberg Space Force Base near Lompoc is also an important part of the regional aerospace landscape, supporting national space and defense activities while contributing to the surrounding economy.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Thousand Oaks is one of the region's best-known biotechnology centers. Amgen's headquarters and ongoing investment demonstrate the scale of life sciences activity in Ventura County.
Biotechnology can also create indirect economic opportunities because research organizations rely on specialized construction, laboratory services, information technology, professional consulting, equipment suppliers, logistics, and other supporting businesses.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Santa Barbara County has developed a notable technology sector, with Goleta and Santa Barbara supporting companies involved in software, electronics, artificial intelligence, communications, research, and other technology fields.
Google's continued investment in Goleta is one example of how major technology companies can deepen their presence in the region.
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing connects many of the region's technology industries. Aerospace and defense companies often require highly specialized manufacturing capabilities, while biotechnology and technology businesses depend on sophisticated equipment, laboratories, and production systems.
Companies operating in this space can generate demand for skilled labor and specialized suppliers, creating economic activity beyond the boundaries of their own facilities.
Agriculture and Food Production
Technology investment is only one part of the 805 economy. Agriculture remains a major industry across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Farms, vineyards, food processors, agricultural technology companies, equipment providers, logistics businesses, and related services contribute to the region's economic diversity. The combination of agriculture and technology creates opportunities for businesses working in areas such as automation, irrigation, data management, environmental monitoring, and food production.
What Business Investment Means for Local Communities
When a large company announces a new facility or acquisition, the economic effects can extend well beyond the company's property.
Construction projects can create temporary demand for contractors, architects, engineers, tradespeople, materials suppliers, and transportation companies. Once a facility opens, permanent employees can generate additional demand for restaurants, retail stores, housing, childcare, personal services, professional services, and entertainment.
Large employers can also contribute to the commercial real estate market by leasing or purchasing office, laboratory, manufacturing, and research space. Over time, successful companies may attract additional businesses that want to operate near their customers, employees, suppliers, or technology partners.
At the same time, economic growth can create challenges. Increased employment and investment can put pressure on housing availability, transportation infrastructure, commercial space, and public services. The long-term impact depends on the size of each project, the number of jobs created, the type of jobs involved, and how growth is managed by individual communities.
805 Cities to Watch for Business Growth
Business investment is not limited to one city in the region. Companies and supporting businesses operate across communities throughout the three counties.
Ventura County
- Ventura
- Oxnard
- Camarillo
- Thousand Oaks
- Moorpark
- Simi Valley
- Westlake Village
Thousand Oaks and Moorpark are particularly notable in recent investment activity involving biotechnology and aerospace. Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Simi Valley, and Westlake Village also have established business communities spanning manufacturing, technology, professional services, healthcare, retail, and other sectors.
Santa Barbara County
- Santa Barbara
- Goleta
- Santa Maria
- Lompoc
Goleta and Santa Barbara are important centers for technology, research, education, and professional services. Santa Maria has a major agricultural economy, while Lompoc benefits from its proximity to Vandenberg Space Force Base and the region's aerospace activity.
San Luis Obispo County
- San Luis Obispo
- Paso Robles
- Atascadero
San Luis Obispo combines higher education, technology, professional services, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Paso Robles is well known for wine and agriculture while also supporting a growing business community, and Atascadero serves as an important commercial center in the county.
How Local Businesses Can Benefit From Regional Investment
Large corporate investments can create opportunities for small and locally owned businesses throughout the 805.
Construction and expansion projects may require local contractors and suppliers. New employees need places to eat, shop, live, exercise, and access everyday services. Companies also need accountants, attorneys, marketing agencies, IT providers, maintenance companies, transportation services, office suppliers, and other professional businesses.
For local businesses, understanding where major employers are expanding can therefore be useful when planning services, advertising, hiring, partnerships, and future growth.
What to Watch Next in the 805 Region
The current investment activity suggests several areas worth watching throughout the region.
- New aerospace and defense facilities
- Biotechnology and life sciences expansion
- Artificial intelligence and advanced computing
- University and private-sector research partnerships
- Advanced manufacturing facilities
- Commercial real estate acquisitions and development
- Growth in specialized engineering and technical services
- Expansion of local supplier and contractor networks
- Workforce development and technical education
Future announcements could change the balance among these industries, but the investments already announced demonstrate the range of business activity taking place across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Investment in the Region
What companies are investing in the 805 region?
Recent major investments and expansions include AeroVironment in Moorpark and San Luis Obispo, Amgen in Thousand Oaks, and Google in Goleta. These companies represent aerospace, defense, biotechnology, technology, research, and advanced manufacturing activity in the region.
How much is AeroVironment investing in Moorpark?
AeroVironment announced a planned investment of approximately $100 million in a new unified company-owned campus on about 20 acres in Moorpark. The project is intended to consolidate activities currently spread across five leased Southern California locations.
When will the AeroVironment Moorpark campus open?
AeroVironment has said construction and renovation work is expected to begin in fiscal year 2028, with the campus expected to be fully operational in 2029.
How much is Amgen investing in Thousand Oaks?
Amgen announced plans in September 2025 to invest more than $600 million in a new Center for Science and Innovation at its Thousand Oaks headquarters. The company broke ground on the project in October 2025.
Is Google expanding in Goleta?
Yes. Google purchased an approximately 83,356-square-foot campus at 147 and 153 Castilian Drive for $32.5 million in 2026. According to commercial real estate information cited by the Santa Barbara Independent, the acquisition brings Google's Goleta footprint to approximately 300,000 square feet.
What happened with ESAero in San Luis Obispo?
AeroVironment acquired Empirical Systems Aerospace, or ESAero, in March 2026. ESAero has substantial design, prototyping, manufacturing, integration, and testing operations in San Luis Obispo.
Which industries are growing in the 805?
The region has significant activity in aerospace, defense, biotechnology, technology, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food production, tourism, healthcare, and professional services. Investment varies by county and individual community.
The 805 Region's Changing Business Landscape
The 805 has long had a diverse economy, but recent investments demonstrate how traditional industries and emerging technologies are increasingly overlapping.
Aerospace companies are combining engineering with advanced manufacturing and autonomous systems. Biotechnology companies are investing in research, automation, and digital technologies. Technology companies are expanding research operations in communities that already have strong university and engineering talent.
These developments are important because they can influence the region for years beyond the initial construction or acquisition. A new facility can become an anchor for additional businesses, skilled workers, suppliers, and services.
For residents and local businesses, keeping track of these investments provides another way to understand how the 805 economy is changing.
Follow Business Growth Across the 805 Region of California
From Moorpark and Thousand Oaks to Goleta and San Luis Obispo, major companies continue to invest in facilities, technology, research, manufacturing, and specialized operations throughout the 805 region.
In 805 will continue following significant business developments across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, including new companies, expansions, commercial development, employment opportunities, and other changes affecting the local economy.
For residents, entrepreneurs, and business owners, these developments provide a useful look at where investment is taking place and which industries are helping shape the future of California's 805 region.
Sources and Attribution
This article was independently written by In 805 using publicly available information from company announcements and local reporting. Key information was reviewed against announcements from AeroVironment and Amgen and reporting by the Santa Barbara Independent regarding Google's Goleta property acquisition. Company names, investment amounts, locations, facility sizes, and project timelines are presented as reported by those sources.
Information in this article is current as of September 16, 2026. Project timelines, investment plans, facility operations, and other business details may change as companies update their plans.
Published by In 805 — Your Guide to California's Region.
Published September 16, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)