Proposal to Bring 120 High-Tech Manufacturing Jobs, National Center of Excellence for 3D Printing to Albuquerque Approved
September 18, 2019
In August, Mayor Tim Keller announced a public-private partnership proposal to name Jabil Inc.’s Albuquerque location as the future site for its Center of Excellence for 3D Printing. As a result, the company, which is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, would invest nearly $42 million in new technology and equipment, add 120 jobs over the next five years, and launch local workforce development and high-tech manufacturing training initiatives in partnership with local colleges.
Today, the Albuquerque City Council approved the package of incentives, including $250,000 in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA)funding and the sale of $35 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) from the City to support the expansion.
“Investing in 3D printing strengthens our city’s foothold in key industries and builds on our assets as a technology hub. 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” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “I appreciate the Council’s willingness to invest in our local workforce and help build an economy that works for everyone.”
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.
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.
In addition to the City’s LEDA funding, the State of New Mexico will provide up to $750,000 in LEDA funding. The comprehensive $1 million in LEDA funding will help the company with eligible expenses associated with the project.
For more information about the company, visit www.jabil.com.