WELCOME: Fullerton was founded over a century...

WELCOME: Fullerton was founded over a century ago and is now a blend of industry and academia, parks and factories. Its biggest employer is Hughes Aircraft Co.’s Ground Systems Group. The defense contractor has trimmed its Fullerton work force, partly due to the end of the Cold War. . . . A spokesman says the firm also decided years ago to move some of its work force to states like Mississippi, where it’s cheaper to do business. Second-biggest employer in the city: Cal State Fullerton, with about 2,100 employees. Third is Hunt-Wesson Foods, with 1,800 workers in the summer, when the tomato cannery is in full swing.

Hurting at Hughes

Defense industry doldrums have cut jobs at Hughes Aircraft. Fullerton’s largest employer.

Full-time jobs (In thousands) ‘92: 7.1 Source: Hughes Aircraft Co.