In a time of economic contraction, Hewlett-Packard has chosen to build a new facility in Rio Rancho.
Company executives said they are looking to fill as many entry-level positions as possible with recent college graduates.
The move to Rio Rancho will bring an estimated 1,350 jobs to Albuquerque and Rio Rancho by 2012, said Jim Payne, Rio Rancho city manager.
Hewlett-Packard, a Fortune 500 company, will have great benefits for future UNM graduates, said Rich Wackenreuter, recruiting manager for Hewlett-Packard.
"This is going to be a tremendous opportunity for students who have just graduated and who are just about to graduate," Wackenreuter said. "It is going to offer a lot more local job opportunities."
According to a news release, Hewlett-Packard is already looking for applicants for sales and customer service positions.
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UNM Career Services will host Hewlett-Packard Day today, with two presentations from the company about its employment opportunities.
Company managers are coming to Albuquerque to interview within the next two weeks. The first round of hires will be handled through applications directly to Hewlett-Packard. Future applications will be routed through the New Mexico Workforce Connection, as the company looks to recruit between 500 and 700 employees by 2009, according to the release.
Wackenreuter said this could be a way for students who have already created a life for themselves in New Mexico to stay in the state and contribute to its growth.
"Too often students are forced to leave New Mexico after they graduate to pursue their careers," he said. "This company is going to offer thousands of jobs that will offer students who want to stay the ability and opportunities that they need."
Wackenreuter said the company will be a major employer in the area for years to come.
Randall Davis, Hewlett-Packard's site manager for the Rio Rancho district, said the company will continue looking to hire students in the future. He said the Hewlett-Packard move is going to be an investment in the community and educational facilities in New Mexico.
"This opportunity is going to harbor a unique partnership with UNM," Davis said. "I am going to make sure that there is a facility that works, that it is beneficial to workers and will create a long-term relationship with the community."
Noreen Scott, Rio Rancho economic development corporation president, said she has been working to bring Hewlett-Packard to the community.
"The RREDC has been aggressively marketing the Central Business District since its inception and has been targeting technical companies in its business recruitment efforts," Scott said. "HP joins significant others in Rio Rancho that are making over $800 million of investment in the community - new high school, hospitals, CNM, UNM and much more."
Hewlett-Packard Day
Today, 10 a.m.-noon
Anderson School of Management
Room 302
2-4 p.m.
Centennial Engineering Center
Room 2080
