BlueHalo is expanding its existing New Mexico campus located in Albuquerque’s Sandia Science & Technology Park to meet the needs of the rapidly growing company’s customer base and high-tech staff. The expanded facility additional manufacturing, research and development, and office space needed for BlueHalo’s 300 New Mexico employees. The growth also enable the creation of over 70 jobs with an average salary of $90,000 in the near-term.
“As we drive the flywheel of innovation, delivering leading-edge solutions to our customers, we will continue to expand our footprint to ensure our ability to properly serve those customers in the most timely and efficient way. BlueHalo’s long-term commitment to New Mexico is stronger than ever, and we are thrilled to continue that partnership as we deliver the next generation of products and solutions to the warfighter,” said Jonathan Moneymaker, BlueHalo Chief Executive Officer. “The decision to expand into an existing facility near Kirtland Air Force Base, adjacent to our other Albuquerque facilities, will avert any disruptions to our programs and delivery of our solutions to those who need it to defend our country. This facility will be upfitted to accommodate our high-tech needs and will serve as one of the major hubs across the BlueHalo Labs national infrastructure.”
The new space offers proximity to BlueHalo’s current manufacturing and development facility as well as to customers the company serves at Kirtland Air Force Base. The facility includes an office complex, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and test areas. The facilities will be built specifically to accommodate continued technology innovation and rapid transition to manufacturing for BlueHalo products across multiple mission areas including Advanced Radio Frequency (RF) Systems; c-UAS and Directed Energy; Laser Communications; and Space-Qualified Electronics and Systems, including Stabilized Precision Optics and Tracking (SPOT).
The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has awarded BlueHalo $2.25 million from its LEDA job-creation fund.
“BlueHalo is committed to New Mexico and the state’s partnership with BlueHalo remains strong,” said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes. “The Economic Development Department will continue to support this vital technology company as it expands at the Sandia Science & Technology Park, grows its manufacturing space to meet customer demand, and creates dozens of highly skilled and good-paying jobs.
“We are delighted to welcome BlueHalo to North America’s Premier Science and Technology Park,” said Sherman McCorkle, Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Sandia Science & Technology Park Development Corporation. “The Sandia Science & Technology Park provides unparalleled synergy between private sector technology innovators and our nation’s national laboratories. The everyday collaboration of such a broad range of world-class scientists and engineers can’t be duplicated elsewhere, and we are excited for BlueHalo to become a part of that with this expansion.”
The City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department has pledged $250,000 through its LEDA fund and will also act as fiscal agent for the state’s funding. BlueHalo will also apply for an Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB). All incentives are pending and contingent on approval by the Albuquerque City Council.
“Investing in aerospace and directed energy is a key strategy for the City of Albuquerque and our economic development colleagues across the City, and the State,” said City of Albuquerque Economic Development Director Charles Ashley, III. “Partnerships like these will continue to build the space economy infrastructure in Albuquerque, creating jobs, opportunity, and strengthening our position as the place for space.”
Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), the area’s non-profit, private sector economic development organization, provided technical assistance for the project.
“BlueHalo’s expansion of its current manufacturing facilities in the Albuquerque region exemplifies the great opportunity here for firms in the aerospace and defense industry sector. Utilizing an exciting facility at a strategic location such as the Sandia Science & Technology Park not only allows for acceleration of launch of operations, but it will contribute to the growth of the overall industry ecosystem,” Danielle Casey, AREA President and CEO, said.
The lease has been executed and the expected move-in date is May 2022.
