Petaluma’s key industry clusters are Information Communications Technology, Consumer Products, Healthcare & Life Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Food & Beverage Production, Green Services and Construction, and Tourism and Recreation.
Petaluma Business Sectors
Information & Communications Technology
Petaluma has a high concentration of companies that manufacture communications and navigational equipment and electronic components like audio and video equipment. This cluster also includes publishers and broadcasters, software and internet publishers, computer system design, and other information service providers. Petaluma stars in this sector include Enphase, Blue Planet (Cyan), Hydropoint Data, FIS Mobile, Vendini, and X2NSAT.
Consumer Products
Petaluma is the corporate home to several leaders in the consumer products industry, including CamelBak, Scandinavian Designs, and World Centric. In the apparel and home good industry, trendsetters like Jess Brown, Robindira Unsworth and catstudio bring Petaluma’s eclectic, upscale vibe to the rest of the world.
The sustainably-minded, outdoors-oriented lifestyle of Petaluma helps these companies attract the talent they need to stay ahead of competitors.
Healthcare & Life Science
Petaluma’s health and life sciences sector includes healthcare services providers as well as pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Sutter Medical Group and Kaiser Permanente operate facilities here; we also have our own hospital (operated by St. Joseph Health) and an award-winning community health center. Innovators in life science include Sonoma Pharmaceuticals and Biosearch, who benefit from our proximity to top-tier universities and research centers.
Advanced Manufacturing
If you thought all manufacturing had moved off shore, you will be surprised to know that many Petaluma companies make products locally. Products range from plastic laboratory products to small precision tools to components for high end bicycles. Petaluma is also home to a number of specialized machine shops that make prototypes and low volume products for global companies like Tesla and Medtronic. In total, the manufacturing sector employs over 3,300 people in Petaluma.
Food & Beverage Production
Petaluma is a hotbed of new and growing food and beverage producers who are leading their industry. Lagunitas Brewing Company, Amy’s Kitchen, Cowgirl Creamery, Clover Sonoma, and Straus Family Creamery are all located in Petaluma. Many growing start-ups–like Miyoko’s Kitchen–have moved to Petaluma to be closer to these industry leaders. Petaluma’s wine and spirits industry is also flourishing, both in commercial settings and on adjacent agricultural lands.
Green Services & Construction
Petaluma has a high concentration of firms who offer innovative products and services in the construction, alternative energy, environmental consulting and resource management industry. Firms like Enphase, Hydropoint Data and Sonoma Cast Stone provide elegant yet sustainable solutions to global challenges around energy, water and pollution. Nonprofits like Daily Acts and Point Blue complement Petaluma’s “Green Sector” through education and research focused on sustainability and wildlife conservation.
Tourism, Recreation, Hospitality
Petaluma is a hot spot for tourism, attracting 100,000s of visitors every year. Its close proximity to Napa and Sonoma wine country, Bodega and Tomales Bay, and numerous local, state and national parks makes Petaluma the perfect getaway city, as well as an enchanting destination in itself. Locals and out-of-town visitors alike enjoy the city’s award-winning restaurants, unique retail establishments and more than 45 festivals a year. Check out our Visitor Program for details and a list of events.