Wham-O Heads South

Wham-O Inc., the maker of Frisbees and Hula Hoops, said it is moving most of its San Gabriel manufacturing operations to an existing plant in La Mesa, Mexico. The manufacturing facility in San Gabriel will remain open as a distribution and research center, said Steve Schneider, vice president of corporate research and development for Kransco Group Cos., the San Francisco parent of Wham-O. Hula Hoops and some lines of swimming pool accessories will continue to be made there, but Frisbee production will be entirely shifted to Mexico, Schneider said.

Company officials cited competitive economic pressures as the reason for the move, which is expected to be completed by June.