NM Delegation Urges GE to Reconsider Plant Closure, Expand to Green Energy Manufacturing

In a letter (pdf) sent this week to the chairman of the General Electric Company, the New Mexico Congressional Delegation urged the company to reverse its decision to close GE’s Albuquerque aviation plant next year, and offered to partner with local, state, and company officials in developing creative ways to retain its 400-member workforce – including possible expansion into green energy manufacturing.

The letter, mailed Thursday to GE Chief Executive Jeffrey Immelt according to a joint statement released today by New Mexico's delegation, was signed by all five members: Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, and Congressmen Martin Heinrich (NM-01), Ben Ray Luján (NM-03) and Harry Teague (NM-02).

“New Mexico and our congressional delegation are prepared to partner with you to retain the current workforce in Albuquerque and work with you to grow these numbers through diversifying the product lines manufactured in New Mexico,” the letter stated.

General Electric announced earlier this summer plans to close its Albuquerque plant, which has manufactured equipment for jet engines since the late 1960s, by the third quarter of 2010. At the time, the company cited the weak economy and reduced product demand as reasons for the closure.

In their letter to GE, the New Mexico delegation acknowledged reports that retaining the plant’s operation would require significant facility upgrades, and urged GE to give the potential investment serious consideration in consultation with all vested stakeholders.

The delegation also encouraged GE to expand its vision for the Albuquerque plant to include the company’s green energy manufacturing business – noting that New Mexico is continuing to experience growth in the renewable energy sector of its economy, particularly with solar and bio-fuel companies.

“Having a plant in the Albuquerque area that produces a renewable energy product would create high skill jobs and reinforce your commitment to rebuilding our nation’s industrial base,” the letter stated.

The delegation also urged the fair treatment of current GE plant employees, particularly regarding wages and benefits.

“These employees have been asked to make draconian sacrifices in both wages and benefits, seemingly putting them at levels far below workers at GE plans elsewhere in the country. This does not seem reasonable,” the letter stated. “We urge GE to be creative in looking at ways to keep the plant open, and to be fair to current employees who have been loyal to the company and productive members of GE’s manufacturing team.”