Roswell firm gets LEDA infusion

$1M will create 70 jobs at paint plant

New Mexico is contributing $1 million in Local Economic Development Act funding to allow a Roswell manufacturer to create 70 jobs, according to an announcement from Gov. Susana Martinez.

Gov. Martinez said the money will go toward the renovation of Dean Baldwin Aircraft Painting’s 165,000-square-foot facility at Roswell International Airport.

“Creating good private-sector jobs like these are key to decreasing our reliance on the oil and gas industry and the federal government,” said Martinez in a statement. “That’s why we will continue to do all we can to make New Mexico more competitive and business friendly, because it creates jobs for our families and communities.”

The facility, which will be upgrading its roof and firesuppression systems during the renovation, currently employs 130 people. The Florida-based company opened its Roswell operations in 1999.

Economic developers say LEDA funding is one of the most powerful tools they have to convince businesses to choose New Mexico for expansions and relocations. But in the midst of an estimated $300 million projected budget deficit for the coming fiscal year, lawmakers have refused to promise they will keep the funds intact.

Matt Geisel, the state’s Economic Development secretary, said in the statement that the Dean Baldwin announcement proves the value of programs like LEDA.

“This expansion shows how our tax cuts and incentives are working for our rural communities,” Geisel said. “The governor’s commitment to making New Mexico more competitive has allowed companies like Dean Baldwin to grow and thrive, bringing private-sector jobs to our state.”