The New Mexico Borderplex continues to emerge as a powerhouse for economic development and manufacturing, with German steel conglomerate thyssenkrupp Materials NA making a significant investment in the region. The company recently announced its expansion into Santa Teresa, bringing with it a multimillion-dollar investment and the promise of creating between 50 to 100 new jobs.
Strategic Expansion to Santa Teresa
ThyssenKrupp Materials NA expands to Santa Teresa, investing millions and creating jobs in the Borderplex
James Patsakos, President of Manufacturing Services at thyssenkrupp Materials NA, shared details of the expansion in an interview with Albuquerque Business First. The company has secured a 90,000-square-foot facility at the Westpark Logistics Center, located at 950 Industrial Ave. This prime location is strategically situated within the New Mexico Borderplex, an area that is rapidly gaining recognition as a hub for logistics and advanced manufacturing.
The proximity to major clients, including industry giants Schneider Electric and Siemens, was a major factor in thyssenkrupp’s decision to expand into the region. Many of these customers already have a strong presence in the El Paso-Juárez area, making Santa Teresa an ideal location for streamlined supply chain operations.
Job Creation and Workforce Development
The expansion is expected to provide employment opportunities across various roles, including machine operators, programmers, quality engineers, inspectors, manufacturing engineers, and administrative staff.
In support of this investment, thyssenkrupp Materials NA secured a state job training incentive program award of $252,630 to train 21 employees, with an average wage of $24.52 per hour. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce in the region. In addition, thyssenkrupp may leverage Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) incentives, which have yet to be finalized.
Patsakos highlighted the exceptional caliber of the workforce available in the New Mexico Borderplex, stating that the skilled labor pool played a significant role in their decision to establish operations in Santa Teresa. This sentiment aligns with a growing trend of manufacturers recognizing the region’s potential for workforce development and talent retention.
Foreign Trade Zone and Business-Friendly Environment
The Westpark Logistics Center, where thyssenkrupp’s facility is located, is eligible for a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation. This status provides U.S. manufacturers with financial advantages, including more lenient customs regulations and reduced import fees. These incentives enhance Santa Teresa’s attractiveness to global companies looking to optimize their supply chains and manufacturing costs.
State and local leaders have been instrumental in positioning the New Mexico Borderplex as a business-friendly environment. With competitive tax incentives, workforce development programs, and infrastructure investments, the region continues to attract high-profile industrial players like thyssenkrupp Materials NA.
Strengthening the Manufacturing Landscape
thyssenkrupp Materials NA’s expansion into Santa Teresa marks a significant milestone in the company’s North American growth strategy. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, thyssenkrupp Materials NA operates five other manufacturing facilities in Montreal, Toronto, British Columbia, Kennesaw, Georgia, and Saltillo, Mexico. The Santa Teresa facility represents the company’s largest manufacturing investment to date, further solidifying the region’s position as a key player in advanced manufacturing.
Looking ahead, thyssenkrupp is also planning another manufacturing center in Michigan, indicating a broader strategy to expand its North American footprint.
Impact on the New Mexico Borderplex
The arrival of a global manufacturing leader like thyssenkrupp Materials NA underscores the growing significance of the New Mexico Borderplex as a destination for industrial investment. The region offers a unique combination of logistical advantages, including proximity to major highways, rail connections, and border access, making it an ideal location for companies seeking efficient distribution channels.
Moreover, the economic ripple effect of this expansion extends beyond job creation. It signals confidence in the region’s ability to support large-scale manufacturing operations, potentially attracting additional investments from suppliers, logistics providers, and related industries.
Overcoming Economic Challenges
Despite recent concerns surrounding steel tariffs, Patsakos noted that these policies did not impact thyssenkrupp’s decision to expand to Santa Teresa. However, he acknowledged that such factors could influence the company’s hiring timeline. This highlights the resilience of the manufacturing sector in the region and its ability to adapt to shifting economic conditions.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Manufacturing in Santa Teresa
thyssenkrupp Materials NA’s expansion is a testament to the strength and potential of the New Mexico Borderplex. As more global manufacturers recognize the benefits of establishing operations in Santa Teresa, the region is poised to become a premier destination for industrial growth.
With a skilled workforce, business-friendly incentives, and strategic logistics advantages, the New Mexico Borderplex is on a trajectory to redefine manufacturing in the Southwest. thyssenkrupp’s investment is not just a win for Santa Teresa—it’s a transformative development that signals a new era of economic prosperity for the entire region.
Article Source: Albuquerque Business First Link
