State, City back spacecraft manufacturer, adding 152 jobs

Contact: ChrisChaffin

Chris.Chaffin@edd.nm.gov

(505)490-7962

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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Cabinet Secretary Rob Black

DeputyCabinet Secretary Isaac Romero

State, City back spacecraftmanufacturer, adding 152 jobs

Growth creates high-paying defense and spacetech jobs

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ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico and theCity of Albuquerque are investing more than $1.5 million to help BlackVe Inc.,a defense and space technology company, expand its Albuquerque headquarters andcreate 152 high-paying jobs over the next 10 years.

The state will provide $1 millionthrough the New Mexico Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) fund, with theCity of Albuquerque contributing $250,000 in local LEDA funds and a 20-yearIndustrial Revenue Bond (IRB).

The expansion is projected togenerate more than $228 million in total economic impact for the state. Fundswill be distributed as BlackVe meets construction and hiring benchmarks, withthe City of Albuquerque acting as fiscal agent.

Founded in January 2024, BlackVemanufactures multi-mission spacecraft, applying advanced productiontechnologies to accelerate how satellites are designed, built and operated.

The Albuquerque expansion willinclude a 50,000-square-foot light-industrial satellite manufacturing facility.

New Mexico continues to prove weare leaders in the advanced tech industries that will define the future,”said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We’ve created an ecosystemin this state that’s designed for the long term — one that supports discovery,attracts talent and accelerates innovation.”

"New Mexico’s long legacy indefense and aerospace is today’s launchpad for future-focused innovation andgrowth,” said Economic Development New Mexico Cabinet Secretary RobBlack. “By expanding their spacecraft manufacturing and operations inAlbuquerque, BlackVe is creating high-paying jobs while strengthening ourstate’s role in national security and space resilience.”

“Albuquerque is built for spaceand defense innovation, and BlackVe is exactly the kind of company we wantgrowing here,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This expansion brings 152high-paying jobs and strengthens our city’s role in national security and thefuture of space tech.”

 “BlackVe is deeply proud topartner with New Mexico and the Albuquerque community, a region whose richaerospace heritage matches our own vision for the United States in space,”said BlackVe CEO Dr Peter Wegner. “ This partnership is not justabout building advanced spacecraft; it is about investing in the localworkforce, creating high-quality STEM careers for New Mexicans and inspiringthe next generation of home-grown innovators to reach for the stars."

 In addition to LEDAfunding, BlackVe has been awarded up to $295,000 through the state’s JobTraining Incentive Program (JTIP) to immediately hire and train nine employeesat an average hourly wage of $57. JTIP reimburses companies for at least 50% ofwages during the training period, for up to six months.

 “This is a strong win forAlbuquerque’s advanced manufacturing economy,” said Albuquerque EconomicDevelopment Director Max Gruner. “With LEDA support, an IRB and JTIPtraining resources, BlackVe can scale a 50,000-square-foot satellitemanufacturing facility here, creating great jobs and delivering real returns asthey hit hiring and construction benchmarks.”

"BlackVe represents exactly the kind ofcompany we want building its future in Greater Albuquerque: innovative,mission-focused and operating at the forefront of national securitytechnology,” saidChad Matheson, president and CEO of theAlbuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA). “Its expansion furtherstrengthens a growing ecosystem of aerospace and defense companies that areshaping the future of space while creating high-value opportunities for NewMexico's workforce."

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EDD’smission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasingeconomic opportunities and providing a place for businesses tothrive. EDD’s programs contribute directly to this mission by fundingworkforce training and infrastructure that supports business growth,helping every community create a thriving economy.

Economic Development New Mexico

edd.newxexico.gov