By Roger Lanse

Agmechtronix LLC, operating out of a Little Walnut Road address since 2012, is planning a move to a larger facility to accommodate its explosive growth and demand for its products, according to Ryne Herbon, CEO.

Herbon, and Christine Logan, of the Community, Business & Rural Development Team, New Mexico Economic Development Department, presented the project to the Silver City Town Council at its June 26 meeting, seeking approval of a notice of intent ordinance adopting the establishment of the Agmechtronix, LLC manufacturing facility as an economic development project.

Herbon stated they are under a real estate contract to purchase the old Busby Motors property at 2810 E. Highway 180 and have budgeted $1.5 million for the move.

Agmechtronix, according to Herbon, designs, engineers, and manufactures equipment to automate the difficult tasks in agriculture. Thus far, the focus has been on lettuce thinning machines and an onion bagger which makes sure the 3-lb bag of onions one buys does have the required three pounds. Three additional products are being developed, Herbon said.

Herbon stated most of their sales have been in California, Arizona, and Colorado, but new dealers are on board and pushing the products faster than ever, and engineering requests from growers all over the world are continually coming in.

Herbon said the facility would be bringing in money to Silver City from out-of-state, and their present workforce of 17 is expected to double during the next three years. Agmechtronix is employing graduates from New Mexico State University, Western New Mexico University, Silver High School, Cliff High School and high school interns. They plan extensive on-the-job training for operator positions needed for equipment not found elsewhere in Grant County, according to Herbon.

Agmechtronix currently has six engineers on their staff.

Logan stated, that because Agmechtronix qualifies under the Local Economic Development Act, which looks to create private sector jobs, the state allows public support of this project. Part of the qualification is that the Silver City Planning & Zoning Committee has granted Agmechtronix a special use permit to do manufacturing on the property.

Basically, the state will provide $250,000 to the town which will reimburse Agmechtronix for acquisition or improvements, Logan stated. The town acts as a fiscal agent for the state, Logan again said, in answer to a question by District 2 Councilor Lynda-Aiman Smith. Assistant Town Manager James Marshall assured Aiman-Smith no money from town coffers would be used to support this venture.

Marshall stated the risk to the town should the project fail was very small.

Council approved the notice of intent ordinance.

Council approved a public celebration permit application for the Clay Festival “Juried Exhibition Reception” event at 214 W. Yankie Street on July 19, with alcohol service from 5-8:30 p.m.

Council appointed Elisa Armstrong to the Trails and Open Space Committee.