Maxion shifts solar panel assembly to existing facility at San Mateo Boulevard

In a pivotal move for Bernalillo County's economic landscape, the Bernalillo County Commission has approved changes to the Public Participation Agreement (PPA) with Maxion, shifting the focus from a new manufacturing facility at Mesa Del Sol to the leasing of an existing site on San Mateo Boulevard. This strategic pivot allows Maxion to begin assembly operations for solar panels sooner, with an investment exceeding $100 million to retrofit the facility and an additional $150 million for new equipment.

Commissioner Frank Baca raised questions about the significance of the brownfield site, to which officials responded that the existing facility, previously used by Honeywell, is now set to create nearly 300 jobs. The assembly operations are expected to commence in early 2026, while the original manufacturing plans at Mesa Del Sol remain on hold.

The commission clarified that this agreement does not involve any county gross receipts taxes (GRT) for the assembly site, as those funds are tied to the future development at Mesa Del Sol. Instead, the county's role is limited to facilitating the state's use of LITA funds, which amount to approximately $6 million.

Commissioner Benson emphasized the importance of local job creation, inquiring about salary ranges for the new positions. The average salary for operator roles is projected at around $47,000, reflecting an increase from previous estimates, which was a concern for some commissioners regarding the quality of jobs being offered.

As the commission moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that the transition to the assembly site not only benefits Maxion but also enhances economic opportunities for Bernalillo County residents. The anticipated job creation and investment signal a positive step towards revitalizing the local economy, despite the challenges posed by the current regulatory environment.