(The Center Square) – New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Calgon Carbon Corporation executives announced this week that the company will expand its operations to New Mexico.

Calgon made an asset purchase of its new Bloomfield location. The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) finalized an agreement with the company. Calgon acquired two existing businesses in New Mexico and plans to retain all 42 of its current workers. It also plans to hire nine new workers this year and seven more over the next several years.

Calgon is the world’s largest granular activated carbon manufacturer. The material can be “processed into a highly porous material with an enormous surface area, capable of absorbing a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS,” according to the New Mexico Economic Development Department.

Customers use the activated carbon to remove impurities from air and water. It is used to purify drinking water, to treat industrial wastewater, to reduce power plant emissions, and to improve pharmaceutical product quality.

“Calgon brings new investment and technology to Northwest New Mexico. I look forward to a continuing partnership with this innovative business as we build a jobs-rich sustainable economy for all New Mexicans,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.

The state will provide $150,000 from its Local Economic Development (LEDA) job creation fund to help the company’s expansion. Calgon will also receive funding from the State’s Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP). The program reimburses companies for part of job training, plus other incentives for hiring high-wage workers. The average salary will range from $60,000 to $90,000.

Over the next 10 years, the company plans to invest $94 million in New Mexico.

Calgon wants to make its Bloomfield facility at 326 N. Bergin Lane the go-to manufacturer of activated carbon vessels for customers in the Western and Southwestern United States.

“This investment will expand a skilled workforce and increase wages in a part of the state that has seen a lot of job displacement,” Acting EDD Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper, said. “It also puts Bloomfield at the center of a future-driven technology that helps diversify New Mexico’s economy.”

Calgon acquired New Mexico-based Benchmark Tank and Bloomfield Machine and Welding in October.

Calgon has 1,700 employees worldwide and 20 manufacturing centers.