Big Wins for the Westside and All of Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE – Tonight, the Albuquerque City Council approved the multiphase expansion of Mesa Films and the Council also approved the use of LEDA funds to support the expansion of Vitality Works - both key employers bringing good jobs to the West Side Community.

Mesa Film Studios is a project of Mesa Media Group. Mesa Media’s plans for the facility, a 60 acre plot adjacent to the Double Eagle II Airport will expand the company’s post-production ability, with more than 312,000 square feet of improvements on the site, including six sound stages, an oversized mill and 60,000 square feet of office space.

City Councilor Louie Sanchez, representing District 1, championed both the Council approvals stating, "This is a major win for the Westside and all of Albuquerque. In the first year of operations, the West Mesa Films expansion is expected to create 24 full time jobs and over 750 studio production jobs. These are good-paying jobs closer to home, reducing commutes and pollution, and strengthening our local economy. This smart growth initiative demonstrates our commitment to fostering a thriving and connected city."

Ordinance O-25-82, authorizes Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) incentives totaling $600,000 ($500,000 in State funds and $100,000 in City funds) to support the expansion of Vitality Works, Inc., a long-established Albuquerque-based manufacturer of herbal, vitamin, and nutraceutical supplements.

"Vitality Works is a valued member of our community with a long history of local investment and a commitment to sustainability," added Councilor Sanchez. "This partnership aligns perfectly with our economic development goals, supporting a growing local business in a key industry and creating quality opportunities for our residents."

The approved LEDA funds will contribute to a $5.2 million expansion project, including a new warehouse, upgraded production areas, and utility improvements. This expansion is projected to create 18 new full-time jobs with an average salary of $46,429, plus comprehensive benefits. The company will also utilize the State’s Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP).