Tool Company to Expand

Harbor Freight Tools, a Camarillo concern that sells tools, machinery and equipment nationwide by mail order and through company-owned stores, has launched a $5-million expansion that will more than double the size of its warehouse and corporate headquarters.

When the 159,000-square-foot expansion is completed next spring, the firm’s offices and distribution center on Mission Oaks Boulevard will total 267,000 square feet--an increase of 147% over the current 108,000 square feet.

In addition, the company plans to add two more retail stores by the end of the year, bringing its total to 18, a spokesman said. The new stores will be in California, as are all current outlets except for one in Nevada and one in Kentucky.

Founded in North Hollywood in 1967, Harbor moved to Camarillo eight years ago. The company, which has 300 employees, said its catalogue division sells a wide range of tools and equipment to more than 2 million customers nationwide. Harbor’s customers range from do-it-yourselfers to professional mechanics and construction workers, a company spokesman said.