For the second year in a row, New Mexico has garnered national attention for one of the nation’s most impactful economic development deals.
Following the 30-minute conference announcing Intel’s $3.5 billion expansion in Rio Rancho, the “major players,” including those from Intel, Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, Sandoval County Commission Chairman David Heil, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and a trio of Congressional delegates from Washington, D.C., posed for a thumbs-up photo opportunity May 3, 2021. Gary Herron photo.
Intel’s $3.5 billion expansion of its Rio Rancho campus has been recognized by Business Facilities as one of the top manufacturing deals in the country, specifically representing manufacturing hubs. The expansion, announced May 3, 2021, by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Intel, will create 700 new hi-tech jobs, which Intel is hiring for now.
The project will also create 1,000 construction jobs with an estimated total project expenditure of $550 million. When completed, the Rio Rancho location will be Intel’s domestic hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
“Intel’s expansion in New Mexico proves once again that we are the place to be for companies seeking a strong workforce and a business-friendly climate,” Lujan Grisham said. “We’re continuing to invest in LEDA and other economic initiatives because we know they work.”
Last year the state received a similar award in a different category for the 2020 Netflix expansion, the first time New Mexico has ever been recognized in these annual awards.
“Intel is one of many advanced manufacturing companies relocating or expanding in New Mexico,” Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes said. “The state is very proud to once again receive this recognition and we welcome the opportunity to share New Mexico’s story of how we have become the best place for advanced manufacturing. We have unsurpassed research assets, a wealth of experience, new STEM talent and a strong business climate with impactful incentives. Both Intel and Netflix see that New Mexico is the right place for them, and the state is committed to being a strong partner in their growth and expansion.”
The State of New Mexico will invest $5 million in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds in the Intel expansion. This was the first LEDA investment made after a change allowing for partial Gross Receipts Tax sharing on business development projects that exceed $350 million in construction and infrastructure costs.
Lujan Grisham who asked the Legislature to consider the change during a special session in 2021. The bill, SB1, was sponsored by Sens. Siah Correa Hemphill and Ron Griggs, and Reps. Christine Chandler and Jason Harper, of Rio Rancho.
Business Facilities is a national publication that has been the leading location source for corporate site selectors and economic development professionals for more than 50 years.
