Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary-Designate | New Mexico Economic Development Department
Castelion, a defense technology company based in Torrance, California, has announced plans to build its new solid rocket motor manufacturing campus, known as Project Ranger, in Sandoval County, New Mexico. The facility will span 1,000 acres and is expected to create more than 300 high-paying jobs while generating over $650 million in economic output during the next decade. Castelion intends to invest more than $100 million over the first four years of the project.
Project Ranger aims to enable rapid and scalable production of advanced long-range systems. According to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, “New Mexico has always been front and center in shaping the frontiers of American defense and innovation. This project helps carry that legacy forward — creating high-paying jobs, advancing national security and proving once again that New Mexico is where bold ideas take flight.”
Andrew Kreitz, co-founder and CFO of Castelion, explained the decision behind selecting New Mexico: “After a highly competitive nationwide search, we chose New Mexico for its technical talent, regional infrastructure, and history of scientific achievement. Project Ranger represents a critical step in restoring America’s capacity to produce the advanced systems our country needs. We’re proud to partner with a community with a long history of innovation that has powered some of our nation’s greatest leaps forward.”
The selection process involved collaboration among local entities such as Sandoval County, the City of Rio Rancho, Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA), as well as state and federal officials.
Rob Black, cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department stated: “From the Manhattan Project to modern hypersonics, New Mexico has defined what innovation in defense technology looks like. Securing this investment propels our innovation economy forward, creating high-tech careers and reinforcing our position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and national security.”
Senator Martin Heinrich added: “Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve been proud to bolster New Mexico’s bases, defense research labs, and private industry partners so we can keep excelling in emerging defense capabilities. Castelion’s new manufacturing facility in Sandoval County will strengthen our national security, grow our state’s economy, and create over 300 permanent jobs that New Mexicans can build their families around. This is a great example of what New Mexico does best: Developing cutting-edge science and technology and manufacturing it right here in our state.”
Michael Meek from the Sandoval County Board of Commissioners highlighted local benefits: “To attract a company like Castelion to Sandoval County is the result of hard work and commitment by the company, its site selector, and area economic development entities, government and businesses. This cutting-edge defense technology company brings career opportunities to hundreds of New Mexicans through its workforce. Further, its presence here will support existing local businesses and potentially make way for new ones.”
Wayne Johnson, Sandoval County manager said: “Sandoval County has demonstrated to Castelion through a rigorous site selection process that we are a solid business partner and are ready to help the company realize its vision and support its success. We appreciate Castelion’s vote of confidence by choosing Sandoval County as its next production site for rocket motor manufacturing and look forward to a mutually beneficial business relationship.”
Chad Matheson from AREA commented on regional impact: “Project Ranger’s decision to locate in Sandoval County is a major win for our region. This announcement reflects the strength of our leadership, our public-private partnerships and further exemplifies Greater Albuquerque and New Mexico’s position as a leader in defense technology and innovation.”
Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull stated: “In line with Rio Rancho’s history of advanced manufacturing and New Mexico’s expertise in national defense, we look forward to welcoming Castelion to the region. Rio Rancho and New Mexico have the talented workforce to accelerate Castelion’s growth trajectory.”
State Senator Jay Block noted national significance: “I am deeply honored and thankful Castelion will be building hypersonic missiles that are needed for the defense of our country. The United States is behind in the hypersonic race and now because of Castelion, we will close the gap and leap ahead of our peers. Rio Rancho will now play a huge part contributing to our national defense and we should all be very proud of that.”
The campus will manufacture solid rocket motors as well as conduct static tests before assembling components into finished products. Construction is expected to begin early 2026.
