ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — November 19, 2025 — Castelion, a defense technology company focused on next-generation hypersonic systems, has selected Sandoval County, New Mexico as the site of Project Ranger, a new 1,000-acre solid rocket motor manufacturing campus. The project is expected to create more than 300 high-paying jobs and generate over $650 million in economic output in the next decade.
The company plans to invest over $100 million in the first four years of development, with additional capital investment anticipated as operations scale.
Project Ranger will support rapid, scalable production of advanced long-range systems, strengthening New Mexico’s role as a national hub for defense innovation, aerospace manufacturing, and hypersonics research.
“New Mexico has always been at the forefront of American defense and innovation,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “This project continues that legacy—creating high-paying jobs, strengthening national security, and proving that New Mexico is where bold ideas take flight.”
Strengthening the U.S. Defense Industrial Base
Headquartered in Torrance, California, Castelion was founded to rebuild domestic capacity for producing long-range and hypersonic systems, helping the U.S. and its allies deter global threats and prevent conflict.
“After a highly competitive nationwide search, we chose New Mexico for its technical talent pipeline, regional infrastructure, and longstanding scientific leadership,” said Andrew Kreitz, Co-Founder and CFO of Castelion. “Project Ranger is a critical step in restoring America’s industrial capabilities, and we’re proud to partner with a community that has powered some of our nation’s greatest innovations.”
The campus will manufacture solid rocket motors, conduct static testing, and assemble components into finished systems. Groundbreaking is scheduled for early 2026.
State, Regional, and Federal Support Behind Project Ranger
New Mexico’s selection followed coordinated efforts from Sandoval County, City of Rio Rancho, Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA), and state and federal leadership.
“From the Manhattan Project to modern hypersonics, New Mexico defines what innovation in defense technology looks like,” said Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary, New Mexico Economic Development Department. “This investment strengthens our high-tech economy and expands advanced manufacturing careers statewide.”
“This facility will enhance national security, grow our economy, and create more than 300 permanent jobs that New Mexicans can build careers around,” said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich. “New Mexico continues to lead the way in developing and manufacturing next-generation defense technologies.”
Local officials also emphasized economic impact, workforce development, and downstream opportunities for suppliers and small businesses across the region.
A Transformational Project for Sandoval County and Rio Rancho
“This project reflects years of collaboration and positions Sandoval County as a hub for advanced defense technology,” said Michael Meek, Chair, Sandoval County Board of Commissioners. “The company’s presence will create career pathways and catalyze new business growth.”
“Castelion evaluated us thoroughly, and this decision confirms that Sandoval County is ready to support large-scale innovation and manufacturing,” added Wayne Johnson, Sandoval County Manager.
“Greater Albuquerque continues to gain national recognition as a leader in defense innovation,” said Chad Matheson, Interim President and CEO, AREA.
“Rio Rancho has the technical workforce needed to accelerate Castelion’s growth trajectory,” said Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull.
“This project will help the U.S. close the hypersonic gap and will be a source of pride for New Mexico,” said State Senator Jay Block.
About Castelion
Castelion is a defense technology company building next-generation hypersonic and long-range strike systems to strengthen U.S. and allied deterrence. Founded in Torrance, California, the company is restoring domestic manufacturing capacity for advanced propulsion systems and missile technologies at scale.
About Project Ranger
Project Ranger is Castelion’s 1,000-acre solid rocket motor production campus located in Sandoval County, New Mexico. The facility will produce motors, conduct testing, and assemble components into finished systems. Groundbreaking is scheduled for early 2026.
