Penn Fabrication Buys Building in Moorpark

Penn Fabrication U.S.A. Inc., a company that assembles and distributes hardware and lighting equipment for the entertainment industry and the military, has purchased an 11,000-square-foot headquarters building in Moorpark. But California’s regulatory climate may derail plans to add several dozen manufacturing jobs at the facility.

At present, Penn assembles, warehouses and sells items produced by its English parent, Penn Fabrication Ltd. The items--many of which are used by rock-music performers during concerts--are distributed in this country through company centers in California, New Jersey, Texas and Washington.

Phil Stratford, Penn’s president, said plans call for the U. S. unit to start producing some of the products made by the parent company. “Originally, we expected to do that work here in Moorpark, but now there’s a strong chance we’ll move the manufacturing operation outside California,” he said.

Voicing concerns that have been expressed by other business people in the state, he blamed workers’ compensation costs, environmental rules and other regulations for his firm’s change of heart.

“Some people seem to want to turn California into a service economy,” he said. “In my opinion, a service economy that isn’t supported by manufacturing is doomed to disaster.”

Even if the U. S. manufacturing operation is moved elsewhere, Penn Fabrication U.S.A. intends to keep its headquarters in Moorpark, Stratford said.

Penn moved to its newly purchased building from Newbury Park in 1990, but escrow did not close until this month. The Moorpark building is in the Tiffany Business Park on Kazuko Court.

Penn was represented in the deal by the Camarillo office of Daum Commercial Real Estate Services.