(Press Release from NM EDD) SANDOVAL COUNTY, N.M. — A cutting-edge defense technology company is evaluating Sandoval County, New Mexico, for a major new investment — an ambitious project that, if it moved forward here, could bring hundreds of high-paying jobs and reaffirm the state’s critical role in national security.
The proposed project, undertaken by Castelion Corporation, headquartered in Torrance, California, would create a 1,000-acre rocket motor production facility for the manufacturing and testing of next-generation hypersonic systems. While the project is still under consideration and other out-of-state sites remain in play, initial county and state projections estimate that Phase One could generate more than $659 million in economic output over the next decade in New Mexico.
“New Mexico has long been a cornerstone of American innovation and defense; winning this project would continue that tradition,” said Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Department. “If our state is ultimately selected, this would mean high-tech jobs, significant investment, and the kind of advanced manufacturing that keeps New Mexico on the map for national security and economic opportunity alike.”
Founded with a mission to restore the U.S. industrial base for defense, Castelion aims to produce hypersonic systems at scale to help the U.S. and its allies deter global threats and prevent conflict. Phase One of the project could see an investment of over $101 million and up to 300 new engineers, technicians, and executives hired at the site with salaries averaging over $100,000 per year.
Local and regional collaboration has been essential to advancing New Mexico’s candidacy, including efforts by Sandoval County, the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA), and state and federal officials.
“This kind of project reflects the type of industrial development that strengthens our local economy while contributing to national priorities,” said Sandoval County Manager Wayne Johnson. “It’s the result of months of focused work and cooperation across agencies.”
“Coordinated efforts like this are a powerful example of how our region and state can win when the public and private sectors work together with focus and determination,” said Chad Matheson, Interim President & CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance. “This investment could deliver high-quality jobs, significant capital investment, and strengthen our position as a premier destination for defense technology and research and development investment.”
This project has undergone extensive reviews by Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, both of which concluded that site and safety plans meet the highest federal and scientific standards. The facility will also implement stringent environmental monitoring and 24/7 on-site security to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
If New Mexico is selected, the company’s presence could grow to employ over 1,000 people by 2035, with additional capital investments potentially exceeding $150 million.
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About AREA
The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead and execute strategies designed to grow and diversify the economic base of the greater Albuquerque region, creating a prosperous, diverse and inclusive economy and elevating the standard of living for all. AREA provides confidential assistance to businesses considering the area for expansion and new investment. Since its creation in 1960, AREA has recruited more than 250 companies and more than 35,000 jobs to the Albuquerque metro area. AREA also provides retention and expansion assistance to existing industry. For more information, visit ABQ.org.