California Forever, a real estate development company backed by prominent Silicon Valley investors, has announced plans to establish Solano Foundry, a 2,100-acre advanced manufacturing park in Solano County, California. This initiative is part of the company’s broader vision to create a master-planned, walkable city featuring over 175,000 homes.
The Solano Foundry is designed to accommodate 40 million square feet of advanced technology manufacturing space. CEO Jan Sramek introduced the project at the Reindustrialize conference in Detroit, emphasizing the need for manufacturing facilities that attract top talent. He highlighted that building factories in remote locations is less appealing to skilled professionals. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/17/utopian-city-california-forever-announces-huge-tech-manufacturing-park/?utm_source=openai))
Strategically located approximately 40 miles northeast of San Francisco, Solano County offers proximity to Silicon Valley’s rich pool of hardware, engineering, and artificial intelligence experts. The manufacturing park aims to provide expedited permitting processes, efficient transportation for finished goods, and ample renewable energy resources. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/17/utopian-city-california-forever-announces-huge-tech-manufacturing-park/?utm_source=openai))
Background and Vision
Founded in 2017 by former Goldman Sachs trader Jan Sramek, California Forever has been acquiring land in Solano County through its subsidiary, Flannery Associates. The company has purchased over 50,000 acres of farmland, investing nearly $900 million, with the goal of developing a new city that blends urban living with sustainable practices. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Forever?utm_source=openai))
The proposed city aims to address California’s housing shortage by offering a walkable community with extensive residential options. The inclusion of Solano Foundry aligns with the company’s mission to revitalize high-tech manufacturing in the region, fostering economic growth and innovation.
Strategic Advantages of Solano County
Solano County’s selection for this ambitious project is based on several strategic factors:
– Proximity to Talent: The county’s location near Silicon Valley provides access to a vast network of skilled professionals in technology and engineering fields.
– Infrastructure and Transportation: The area offers established transportation networks, facilitating efficient movement of goods and personnel.
– Renewable Energy Resources: The region’s commitment to renewable energy aligns with the project’s sustainability goals, ensuring a reliable and eco-friendly power supply.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The development of Solano Foundry is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region. The project is projected to create approximately 40,000 jobs in advanced manufacturing sectors, including robotics, energy, and defense. This influx of employment opportunities is anticipated to stimulate local economies and attract further investment. ([sfstandard.com](https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/18/billionaire-backed-california-forever-has-another-outlandish-plan-for-solano-county/?utm_source=openai))
Moreover, the manufacturing park is poised to enhance the United States’ manufacturing capabilities by reshoring production and reducing reliance on offshore facilities. This move aligns with national efforts to bolster domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
Community Engagement and Environmental Considerations
California Forever has committed to engaging with local communities to address concerns and ensure that the development benefits existing residents. The company plans to implement environmental mitigation measures to minimize the project’s ecological footprint, including sustainable building practices and conservation efforts.
However, the project has faced opposition from some local residents and environmental groups. Concerns have been raised about potential impacts on the region’s rural character, water resources, and existing agricultural activities. California Forever has pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to address these issues and incorporate community feedback into the development process. ([politico.com](https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/14/california-forever-resistance-solano-county-00163018?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
The announcement of Solano Foundry marks a significant step in California Forever’s vision to create a new, sustainable city that integrates advanced manufacturing and residential living. By leveraging Solano County’s strategic advantages and focusing on community engagement, the project aims to set a precedent for future developments that balance innovation with environmental and social responsibility.
