(The Center Square) – The New Mexico Economic Development Department approved a new round of Job Training Incentive Program awards at the JTIP October 2023 board meeting, mostly at relatively low wages.
Six companies got these awards. These include five proposals to expand through job training, and another one plans to train an incumbent worker through JTIP’s Step-Up program. The approved awards total $492,492.
The companies are located in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, Deming, Red River, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe.
JTIP reimburses companies using a reimbursement rate with several factors, including location, after training is complete.
“Together, these companies are now eligible to train 40 employees for new jobs or for an existing position with higher wages,” Clark said. “At a time when the unemployment rate remains relatively low, JTIP and other workforce training initiatives are more important than ever for businesses looking to grow their workforce and expand in New Mexico.”
Here is a breakdown of the six companies JTIP approved:
Aersale Component Solutions dba Aersale Landing Gear Solutions (ALGS), a Rio Rancho-based company that specializes in overhauling aircraft landing gear, got $113,140 to train 18 workers who will earn an average wage of $19.96 per hour, significantly less than the median household income in New Mexico, according to the Census.
“The company’s complete overhaul capability for landing gear assemblies includes non-destructive testing services, state-of-the-art CNC machining, a 30-tank plating line, and on-site bushing fabrication,” the release said.
Amfabsteel, Inc., a Bernalillo-based company, got $780 to train one current employee. The company is a design-build structural steel fabricator.
“Nationally known for their design build, design assist, and more widely known for developing the technology to take a project from concept through fabrication almost completely digitally,” the release said.
Beck and Bulow Buffalo LLC., a meat-production company, is expanding operations to Santa Fe. It got $23,210 to train three workers, who earn an average hourly wage of $19.58. That is also significantly less than the median household income in New Mexico, according to the Census
“Beck and Bulow has leased 660 acres in San Miguel County to raise grass-fed, grass-finished beef and bison and never administers hormones, steroids, or antibiotics,” the release said. “The company will also source a variety of meat from local vendors and provide-value added processing such as specialty cuts, ground meat, sausages, and cured meats.”
Little Toad Creek LLC, which operates a nano-brewery and distillery, a seasonal rural hotel/restaurant/tasting room, and a year-round restaurant/tasting room in Silver City, will receive $78,194 to train eight workers who will receive an average hourly wage of $18.13. In this case also the wage is significantly less than the median household income in New Mexico, according to the Census.
“As the canned beverage sales continued to grow, they found the need to expand their production capability and purchased a property in Deming with 76 acres and two industrial metal buildings totaling approximately 45,000 square feet,” the release said.
The Red River Brewing Company, LLC (RRBC) will get $22,754 to train two workers who earn an average of $21 per hour. This also is at a wage significantly less than the median household income in New Mexico.
“Wholesale distribution of beer and spirits is a growing segment of the business, and demand requires that they expand production by acquiring and renovating a 5,000-square-foot facility in Red River,” the release said. “This will house all distillery operations and will represent a ten-fold increase in production capacity for craft spirits product line. RRBC distributes craft spirits to retail stores and restaurants throughout New Mexico and the Texas panhandle and distributes their craft beers in kegs to restaurants in northern New Mexico.”
Payfave, Inc. dba Wink, an Albuquerque-based biometrics company, got $254,413.84 to train eight workers who earn an average of $55.22 per hour. This wage is significantly above the state average.
“With a focus on creating highly secure and seamless interactions between businesses and individuals on any device, Wink is revolutionizing the way identity is verified and transactions occur,” the release said.
