The atmosphere at the Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA) partner breakfast on December 10, 2025, was historic. With over 80 regional leaders in attendance—our largest turnout to date—the focus was squarely on the future of Sandoval County economic development.
The guest of honor, Andrew Kreitz, co-founder of Castelion Corporation: Why Castelion’s $100M Hypersonic Campus is a Game-Changer for Sandoval County, delivered a powerful message about why his company—previously operating under the code name “Project Ranger”—has officially chosen Rio Rancho for its massive expansion. This move marks a turning point for defense manufacturing in New Mexico, placing our region at the center of a critical national security mission.
The Mission: Achieving Peace Through Deterrence
Kreitz’s address highlighted a stark geopolitical reality: the United States is currently trailing adversaries like Russia and China in the development of long-range strike weapons and hypersonic technology.
To maintain global stability, Castelion is focused on “peace through deterrence.” With China leading the world in hypersonic strike capabilities, the US requires thousands of missiles to ensure a non-nuclear deterrent. The traditional defense industrial base has often been too slow to meet this demand. Castelion is disrupting this $40B+ market by focusing on three core strengths:
- Rapid Development: Getting products to the field faster than legacy aerospace firms.
- Vertical Integration: Minimizing supply chain delays by controlling production in-house.
- Mass Production Design: Engineering for high-volume manufacturing from the very first blueprint.
By choosing Sandoval County, Castelion is not just building a factory; they are building a “beachhead” for the future of the American defense market.
Section 36: A Hub for High-Tech Jobs in Rio Rancho
The project is moving at a “full steam ahead” pace. Grading has already commenced at the strategic Section 36 in Rio Rancho. This location is more than just a site; it is the cornerstone of the city’s industrial master plan.
The activation of Section 36 represents a major win for the collaborative efforts of the Sandoval Economic Alliance, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), Sandoval County, and the City of Rio Rancho. Over the past year, these organizations have worked tirelessly to demonstrate that our region has the infrastructure and workforce readiness required for a leader in aerospace and defense technology.
The Economic Multiplier: Opportunities for Local Vendors
The expansion of Castelion Corporation in New Mexico creates a massive ripple effect throughout our local economy. While the primary focus is on creating high-paying high-tech jobs in Rio Rancho, the secondary “multiplier effect” is where our existing partners will thrive.
A facility of this scale requires a vast network of peripheral services. We are actively encouraging local businesses to prepare for the surge in demand. Key sectors that will benefit include:
- Technical Trades: Local machine shops, electric shops, and specialized maintenance services are needed to support a vertically integrated manufacturing plant.
- Facility Services: There will be immediate requirements for security firms, logistics providers, and professional site management.
- Hospitality & Support: From food services and catering for hundreds of employees to retail and housing, the entire community stands to gain.
Long-Term Regional Prosperity
The benefits of landing a high-growth company like Castelion extend far into the future. The projected tax revenue will provide essential funding for Sandoval County schools, public safety, and infrastructure. Furthermore, it cements New Mexico’s reputation as a hub for innovation, attracting even more investment in the years to come.
As Andrew Kreitz noted, Castelion wins on performance, cost, and schedule—and Sandoval County is the partner that makes that possible. We are proud to be the home of this vital mission.
Learn More About Economic Development
Are you interested in how these strategic partnerships create regional wealth? Watch this comprehensive explainer video to see how your business can get involved:
Watch Now: What is Economic Development?
