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City Approves Los Poblanos, Build with Robots LEDA Projects

Boosting homegrown businesses, creating good jobs and opportunity

March 17, 2021

Monday, the Keller Administration received approval to move forward with two Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) Fund projects to create local jobs and support homegrown businesses. Build with Robots and Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm will be the recipients of State LEDA funds, and Los Poblanos will also receive additional funding directly from the City. Both businesses have plans to significantly expand operations and staffing in Albuquerque.

“It took all hands on deck to keep the bottom from falling out of the economy, and now we’re ready to push Albuquerque into recovery and get back the momentum we had before the pandemic. We’re partnering with the State and local, homegrown businesses to expand and create good jobs right here in our community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re proud these businesses call Albuquerque home and look forward to watching their growth and impact on our city.”

Los Poblanos, the historic inn, organic farm, and retail and event space, will invest $2.3 million in their proposed expansion, growing its workforce by seven in the first year, and increasing to 24 employees by year five of the LEDA project. The funding will allow for the acquisition of land, a building for a new production facility with 5,000 square feet of space, and 4,000 square feet of warehouse capacity. The additional space will support boosted production of branded lifestyle products, expansion of a line of food products developed by their culinary team, and the launch a craft spirits business.

The State of New Mexico is supporting the growth with $250,000 from its LEDA fund. The City of Albuquerque is assisting with $25,000 of LEDA funding.

“We support strategic expansion and retention of businesses that complement Albuquerque’s existing strengths,” said Economic Development Director Synthia Jaramillo. “We’re working to build up businesses, and making these incentives available is part of how we build an economy that works for everyone.”

Build with Robots has been approved for $360,000 in State LEDA funds and is committed to growing to 24 full time jobs within one year, and up to 64 by 2024. They design and manufacture robots with the ability to disinfect and sanitize large areas and currently count the Albuquerque International Sunport as one of its clients. With the help of LEDA funding, Build with Robots plans to expand its office space to increase engineering, light manufacturing, robotic demonstration, and research and development capabilities.