Albuquerque Draws Jabil’s National Center of Excellence for 3D Printing
August 15, 2019
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Mayor Tim Keller and Albuquerque Economic Development, Inc. (AED) announced today that Jabil Inc., a manufacturing solutions provider, has selected its Albuquerque site as a center of excellence for 3D printing. The company, which is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, plans to invest nearly $42 million in new technology and equipment and add 120 jobs over the next five years.
“This investment is a clear signal that New Mexico is building a high-quality 21st century workforce,” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “We have all the talent in the world right here in New Mexico, and when we build the infrastructure for a 21st century economy, we will see more young adults stay here and more homegrown talent return here.”
Jabil (NYSE: JBL), a manufacturing solutions provider that delivers comprehensive design, manufacturing, supply chain and product management services for a variety of industries, plans to create new advanced manufacturing positions for additive engineers, line supervisors, quality engineers, technicians and operators. This increased investment is part of the significant capital expenditures that Jabil has made around the globe and will increase its metal 3D printing capabilities.
“Having Jabil in Albuquerque builds on our assets as a technology hub,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “Investing in 3D printing strengthens our city’s foothold in key industries. This deal even goes a step further by creating valuable job opportunities for our young and talented workforce in partnership with the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College.”
“Thanks to the support of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Mayor Keller and their economic development teams, Jabil is well-positioned to further build upon our capabilities and expertise in Albuquerque, supporting our mission to be the most technologically advanced and trusted manufacturing solutions provider,” Jabil Executive Vice President and Healthcare CEO Steve Borges said. “We look forward to expanding our presence in the community and employing additional colleagues from Albuquerque’s talented workforce over the next several years.”
There are currently more than 360 full-time employees on site, in addition to a temporary workforce of approximately 70 associates. Jabil will work closely with area educational institutions, including the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College, to develop its workforce here.
Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes of the New Mexico Economic Development Department said the state is honored to partner with Jabil. The additional investment will bring 120 new jobs. “Jabil’s expansion means the future of 3D printing is now in New Mexico and the state is at the forefront of this technological change.”
Jabil’s expansion will be supported by the state’s Local Economic Development Act (LEDA). The State of New Mexico will provide up to $750,000 in LEDA funding. In addition, the City of Albuquerque will commit $250,000 in local LEDA funding to the project. If approved by the Albuquerque City Council, the comprehensive $1 million in LEDA funding will help the company with eligible expenses associated with the project.
“Jabil’s investment here elevates Albuquerque’s strong technology sector by bringing a world-class technical facility with sought-after capabilities, and to top it off they are adding quality economic base jobs that will create more wealth for residents and opportunities for our small businesses,” said Synthia Jaramillo, Director of Economic Development for the City of Albuquerque.
Jim Chynoweth, AED’s Board Chair, said that AED learned of the 3D printing opportunity earlier this year and worked closely with Jabil representatives on the selection of this plant for the expansion.
“Jabil is a world-class company that is respected and sought out globally for manufacturing solutions services and its selection of Albuquerque communicates that our community has the talent, infrastructure and ecosystem to attract high-tech manufacturing,” Chynoweth said. “The project brings with it high-paying production and professional jobs.”
For more information about the company, visit www.jabil.com.