Vitality Works plans expansion in Albuquerque amid rising demand for wellness products

The Albuquerque City Council meeting on April 21, 2025, featured a significant discussion about the local company Vitality Works and its plans for expansion. Beth Waldrop, a regional representative for the New Mexico Economic Development, highlighted the company's long history and its impact on the local economy.

Vitality Works, founded by Mitch Hovind in 1982, has grown into a substantial operation, currently occupying 145,000 square feet with over 300 employees. The company specializes in herbal medicines and supplements, drawing on traditional herbalism practices. Waldrop noted that the company’s success is not just a local phenomenon; 90% of its revenue comes from out-of-state sales, underscoring its role as an economic driver for Albuquerque.

Waldrop emphasized the importance of economic-based jobs, explaining that each job at Vitality Works generates between seven to sixteen indirect jobs in the community. The company has benefited from various state financial incentives, including the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) and Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funding, which have supported its growth and stability.

The current expansion project aims to enhance the company’s infrastructure to meet increasing customer demand. Waldrop mentioned that improvements are needed for air, water, and electricity supply, as well as renovations to the facility, which is housed in an older building originally constructed in the early 1980s.

The discussion highlighted the collaborative relationship between Vitality Works and local government, which has been crucial for the company’s sustained growth and contribution to the local economy. The meeting underscored the significance of supporting local businesses as they expand and adapt to market demands.