Las Cruces, NM- Today, Gov. Susana Martinez announced that Pecan Brewery in Las Cruces will expand its operations to begin bottling and exporting their beer across the world. The expansionwill result in 40 new manufacturing jobs.
"I love to see home-grown, family-owned businesses like Pecan Brewery thrive. It's an amazing success story," Governor Martinez said. "As companies like Pecan Brewery grow and thrive in New Mexico, we're going to continue fighting to make our state more competitive with surrounding states."
Pecan Brewery's manufacturing is the latest in a series of announcements of more than 800 jobs in communities throughout the state. These have come through a broad and diverse group of industries and sectors, including high-tech and traditional manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and finance. Some are home-grown New Mexico companies; others are national leaders in their industries.
"We appreciate the support of Gov. Martinez, Secretary Barela and members of the local government who've supported our efforts to create the first-of-its-kind bottling and canning facility in this area," said Tom Springer, owner and founder of Pecan Brewery. "It's invaluable to be able to have a canning facility that is much needed in this area to manufacture our uniquely New Mexican product and export it throughout the country and the world."
The Economic Development Department will contribute $200,000 in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds toward the renovation of the existing building to allow for bottling and canning operations. LEDA is New Mexico's closing fund, a tool that recruits new businesses to the state while helping those that are already here grow and thrive. Nearly zeroed out when Governor Martinez took office, she fought to grow this important tool to more than $56 million.
A 2014 study by Ernst & Young ranked New Mexico the best place in the West for manufacturing businesses as a result of bipartisan reforms enacted by Gov. Martinez, including a single sales factor and ending the double and triple taxation on manufacturers.
Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela, Department of Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance and local leaders joined Governor Martinez for the announcement.
"Our tax reforms and business incentives implemented over the past few years have made New Mexico a much more competitive place to do business," said Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela. "We will continue to market the state and the benefits of doing business here, especially for manufacturers."
The Springer's first venture, the Pecan Grill & Brewery, opened in December of 2009. They currently employmore than 80 employees. They have donated over $30,000 to families of wounded soldiers and contribute to local fundraisers by giving gift cards.
The Pecan Brewery will not only have a viewing space where patrons can view its finest brews being produced, but also an outdoor area where families can enjoy the amazing weather Las Cruces has to offer.