Hines Nurseries LLC, which has been part of Orange County's agricultural scene for 53 years, will stop growing plants and flowers in Irvine at the end of the year and will lay off about half its 160 workers here.
The corporate headquarters will remain in Irvine said Steve Thigpen, chief executive, but the lease with the Irvine Co. for the 288 acres the company currently farms in Irvine expires at the end of the year.
Smooch Repovich-Reynolds, the Irvine Co.'s spokeswoman, said the land is zoned for residential. Home construction will take place based on market demand, she said.
Hines will concentrate its California flower and plant growing business in Fallbrook, in San Diego County, and in Winters, 35 miles west of Saccamento,Thigpen said.
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