Ice skating is coming to Manteca.

Grupe, in continuing its commitment to make The Promenade at Orchard Valley “the” shopping center in the South County, has secured an outdoor skating rink for this holiday season.

It will be joined by an outdoor Christmas tree lot.

Mayor Gary Singh said he’s impressed by Grupe’s commitment to not only bringing more shopping, dining, and services to the 760,000 square-foot shopping center anchored by Bass Pro Shops but to also make it a community gathering place.

Singh noted Manteca’s 95,000 and growing residents are benefitting not just by Grupe’s efforts at Orchard Valley, but the new effort underway to improve the appeal of downtown Manteca.

Last weekend’s downtown trunk or treat drew record attendance following the Downtown Manteca Improvement Association’s successful initial event the night prior, the downtown beer and wine stroll featuring live music.

“It’s great to see things go on in both places,” Singh said.

Ford Motor parts

expanding in Manteca

Ford Motors’ small parts distribution center for the West Coast that’s located in Spreckels Business Park is expanding.

It is already the largest distribution center in the business park with a 550,000 square-foot structure.

The size of the addition is not yet known.

The company, that located in Manteca nearly 25 years ago directly across from a parcel that was going to ironically become home to Sexton Chevrolet and now houses J&M Equipment, has signed another 10 year lease with Prologis.

Mayor Gary Singh said that it speaks volumes of Manteca’s effectiveness at serving the distribution and logistics market. Just down the street, Prologis is ready to move forward with building a 289,499 square-foot distribution center on 14.83 acres.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com