City of El Paso and partners inaugurate new workspace for aerospace research and development
Published: Tue, 07/18/23
City of El Paso and partners inaugurate new workspace for aerospace research and development
El Paso International Airport. Credit:
KFOX14/CBS4
KFOX14/CBS4
by David Ibave
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The City of El Paso and partners inaugurate new collaborative workspace for aerospace research and development in east El Paso.
At 9 a.m. Wednesday, the City of El Paso International Airport, Mayor Oscar Leeser, University of Texas at El Paso partners and community leaders will host a grand opening ceremony for ELP Innovation Factory.
Located at 501 George Perry Boulevard, Suite F, on airport property, the new 30,000-square-foot facility features office spaces, maker spaces, shared lounges, and other support facilities.
El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser
(credit: KFOX14/CBS4)
In a news release, Mayor Oscar Leeser said of the ceremony:
We are proud to celebrate the opening of the ELP Innovation Factory. This facility will provide the collaborative space small businesses need for aerospace and advanced manufacturing research and development that will give El Paso a clear advantage in this developing industry and in attracting high-paying jobs.
Cary Westin begins new role as interim city manager on June 1, 2023.
[Credit: KFOX14]
Interim City Manager Cary Westin released the following statement:
Supporting businesses is a priority for the City of El Paso because we are committed to having a vibrant regional economy. This unique collaborative space, made possible through partnerships, will retain and grow jobs, strengthen our supply chain and has the potential to provide more opportunities for El Pasoans.
According to the city, the first tenants of the ELP Innovation Factory were awarded the initial three years of tenancy rent-free through a $3 million American Rescue Plan Act grant, and were selected based on having the potential to have a significant impact on expanding manufacturing capacity in El Paso.
The city also claims that through its partnership with UTEP, they are developing an “innovation district” to provide more than 250 acres of industrial land northeast of the airport terminal and runways for the aerospace defense and advanced manufacturing industries.