El Paso County approves Chapter 381 agreement for WeWEN Technology manufacturing investment in Socorro

El Paso County on Monday approved a Chapter 381 economic development agreement to support WeWEN Technology Corporation’s planned investment in the Socorro area, moving forward with incentives the county said will support a multi-hundred-job operation.

Roberto Ransom, director of the county’s Economic Development Department, asked the court to approve the Chapter 381 agreement and described an expedited, roughly four-month process to finalize the package. The court approved the instrument by vote.

Why it matters: The county’s action is intended to attract a foreign direct investment manufacturing and advanced-computing supplier that will use regional trade corridors, including the Tornio (likely the Tornillo) port of entry, to ship products. County and partner officials said the project supports El Paso’s goals to expand manufacturing, logistics and high-skilled employment.

Officials and partners at the meeting underscored the collaborative recruitment. John Barela, Borderplex Alliance CEO, credited the county and local partners, and noted the County Judge’s recruiting trip to Taiwan helped advance the project. A WeWEN representative said the company — which has ties to the community and prior activity in the U.S. — is committed to long-term investment and employment.

The court’s vote authorized the county judge to sign the Chapter 381 agreement. County staff noted the company would also coordinate with the City of Socorro and the Borderplex Alliance on local permitting and site issues.

Ending: County officials said they will continue to work with the company and local partners on implementation. The vote carried on a motion by Judge Samaniego and a second by Commissioner Olguin.