New Mexico’s Electronic Manufacturing Boom: A Hub for High-Tech, Research, and Development Growth

New Mexico is quickly becoming a hotbed of growth and innovation in the electronic manufacturing industry. Top-tier companies such as Jabil, ABB, Applied Material, Siemens, Eaton, Samsung, Analog Devices, Arrow Electronics, Lam Research, LSI, National Instruments, ASML, Vesta Wind Systems, Panduit, and Canon USA have all established a strong presence in the state. With a wealth of talent, strategic location, and a supportive business environment, New Mexico is making its mark on the global stage.

Intel Corp. leads the pack as the largest industrial employer in New Mexico, with its Rio Rancho facility responsible for producing computer microchips, flash memory chips, and 300-millimeter wafer fabrication. Jabil, Inc. in Albuquerque has established itself as a major provider of engineering and manufacturing solutions for the medical industry, particularly in endoscopic surgical supplies. Meanwhile, ABB has invested $40 million in a new manufacturing facility for its Installation Products Division, which will create 55 new jobs and produce essential cable products for electric utility providers.

New Mexico’s rich talent pool, boasting over 180,000 experienced advanced manufacturing employees, is a key factor driving the state’s success. The 2017 State New Economy Index ranked New Mexico second in high-tech jobs, highlighting its importance in the industry. Additionally, the state’s strategic location makes it an ideal hub for manufacturing, with 75% of the U.S. population within a two-day drive.

The state’s thriving aerospace industry is also fueling growth in electronic manufacturing. Spaceport America, the first commercial facility of its kind, provides a unique environment for companies like Virgin Galactic, HAPS Mobile, and SpinLaunch to conduct commercial space engineering operations, manufacturing, and testing. Honeywell, BendixKing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Silent Falcon, and SpaceX are just a few of the many aerospace companies finding success in New Mexico.

Major investments are pouring into the state, with companies like Arcosa committing $750 million to wind turbine tower orders, leading to the construction of a new factory in Belen. Northrop Grumman has also opened a 25,000-square-foot space systems engineering facility in the area, supporting customers across the company’s enterprise in space system mission management and operations.

BlueHalo LLC, a Virginia-based engineering firm, has opened a 73,000-square-foot research, development, and manufacturing facility near Kirtland Air Force Base. This facility will focus on directed energy weapons and satellite components, further solidifying New Mexico’s position as a leader in the aerospace and defense industries.

New Mexico’s strong research and development network supports the continued growth of its high-tech industries. With three Tier-1 research universities, Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs, the Air Force Research Lab, and Spaceport America, the state offers unique opportunities for testing, research, and development across various sectors.

As more businesses realize the benefits of relocating or expanding in New Mexico, the state’s electronic manufacturing industry will continue to flourish. Companies across aerospace, film and television, intelligent and advanced manufacturing, outdoor recreation, sustainable and green energy, bioscience, sustainable and value-added agriculture, cybersecurity, and global trade are thriving in this supportive environment. New Mexico is well on its way to becoming a key player in the global electronic manufacturing industry, driving economic growth and fostering innovation.