Castelion Chooses Sandoval County for Major Manufacturing Campus

Sandoval County announced on November 18 that Castelion will establish Project Ranger, a manufacturing campus focused on hypersonic systems and rocket motors. According to the county release, the facility will produce solid rocket motors, conduct static tests and assemble components into finished rounds at the new site. County officials framed the selection as the result of a competitive nationwide site selection process.

Castelion cited New Mexico's technical talent, regional infrastructure and scientific track record as factors in its decision to locate the campus in Sandoval County. The county release includes photos and links to Castelion's announcement and to a statement from the New Mexico Economic Development Department, underscoring the project as a joint public and private milestone.

Local leadership described the project as a major economic win for Sandoval County. County Manager Wayne Johnson and Commission Chair Michael Meek emphasized the potential for employment growth and expanded business opportunities. The county said Castelion's plans will generate hundreds of jobs and create supply chain demand for local vendors and service providers, which could ripple through construction, transportation and professional services sectors.

The immediate economic impacts for residents include new hiring opportunities and contract prospects for local firms. Manufacturing and testing operations typically require a mix of skilled technical labor and a support ecosystem that includes logistics, maintenance and administrative roles. Static testing in particular will create ongoing needs for site management, safety oversight and environmental monitoring. Those requirements can translate into long term recurring spending in the local economy beyond initial construction activity.

Policy and planning issues will move to the forefront as Project Ranger progresses. Static testing and rocket motor production are subject to permitting, safety review and environmental compliance at the local and state levels. County officials will need to coordinate infrastructure investments such as roads, utilities and workforce training to support both the site and the accompanying supply chain. The county release suggests those conversations are expected to follow as project planning advances.

For Sandoval County residents and businesses the key items to watch in coming months are detailed site and timeline disclosures, hiring announcements from Castelion and requests for local contracting proposals. The county has posted the announcement materials and links to the company and state statements, and officials say further updates will outline how the project will integrate with regional economic development goals.