Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing, Assembly & Logistics (Urban)

Manufacturing is the biggest fish to catch, and a sector the region has been wooing for some time. The high economic multiplier, good wages, and jobs with benefits are just some of the reasons for focusing on the manufacturing sector. New Mexico never had a strong manufacturing base, because while the rest of the nation was industrializing and serving a customer base, New Mexico was developing infrastructure to serve military bases, mining activities and agriculture. The relatively small manufacturing base of the state was hit disproportionately hard during the recession and is just now climbing back with some gains in food manufacturing, and computer and electronics manufacturing. The region is trying to diversify its manufactured products and exports so as not to over-rely on one industry. 

Part and parcel with manufacturing comes the need to bring in suppliers and export products; in other words, a seamless logistics and freight transportation network. The Transportation and Logistics Hub Study (see www.mrcog-nm.gov) outlines strategies that facilitate freight logistics. 

The region has an opportunity to promote itself to manufacturers who want few business disruptions due to severe weather, and who require reliable and inexpensive renewable energy. New Mexico is 28th out of 50 states for total number of disaster declarations since 1952. Albuquerque is one of the top 10 sunniest cities. The region has a low cost of solar and wind energy. All of these factors create an environment ripe for manufacturers who need competitive operations, distribution, and logistics.

Factory Worker Welding
Urban Manufacturing
Strategies for doing this? • Identify which manufacturing industry is a good fit for NM
• Follow recommendations from the Transportation and Logistics Hub Study (Food Manufacturing; Aerospace Manufacturing; Phonoics/Optics Manufacturing; Distribution Centers)
• Identify manufacturing and assembly businesses and their suppliers whose customers are in the Mountain west/CA/along BNSF Transcon Line
• Dedicate funds for marketing
• Utilize JTIP and LEDA funds to recruit new businesses to relocate and encourage existing businesses to scale up
• Identify Opportunity Zones and market them to investors
• Connect companies with information about manufacturing, Investment, and high wage tax credits
• Develop a certified sites program that helps manufacturing and others locate in the region
• New bonded warehouses and customs brokers
How would we know if we were successful?

What are the key metrics?
• New business
• New business expansions
• New manufacturing jobs
Who are the catalysts?

Who should be accountable for this?
• Albuquerque Economic Development; Sandoval Economic Alliance, Estancia Valley Economic Development Association; New Mexico Partnership; Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico; Albuquerque Sunport; Rail providers and transload operators; ABC Trade Alliance; CNM, UNM, local and state government
How do we build resilience in this focus area? • Long-term strategy of adequate funding
• Promote the region to manufacturing and supply-chain companies as a low severe weather-disrupting area