Navajo Nation invests $19 million in nitrile glove manufacturing facility

A multi-phase project includes an investment of more than $49 million from Rhino, LLC. It is also partially funded through the New Mexico Economic Development Department, which contributed $3.5 million through the Local Economic Development Act funds. Once completed, the phase two facility will be owned by the Navajo Nation and will receive a tribal building number. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez tours the factory earlier this month. (Photo/Office of the President and Vice President)

A multi-phase project includes an investment of more than $49 million from Rhino, LLC. It is also partially funded through the New Mexico Economic Development Department, which contributed $3.5 million through the Local Economic Development Act funds. Once completed, the phase two facility will be owned by the Navajo Nation and will receive a tribal building number. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez tours the factory earlier this month. (Photo/Office of the President and Vice President)

CHURCH ROCK, N.M. — On Nov. 11, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez was joined by Rhino Health, LLC, CEO Mark Lee to sign into law Resolution CO-31-19, which appropriates approximately $19 million from the Síhasin Fund to the Navajo Nation Division of Economic DevelopmentProject Development Department for the Church Rock Industrial Park Project Phase Two.

The resolution also adopts the Church Rock Industrial Park Project Fund Expenditure Plan.

photo

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (center) celebrate a $19 million investment in a nitrile glove manufacturing facility with Rhino Health, LLC. (Office of the President and Vice President)

During the 2019 Fall Council Session, Resolution CO-31-19 was approved by the 24th Navajo Nation Council with a vote of 19-0. Speaker Seth Damon sponsored the bill, and Council Delegates Jimmy Yellowhair and Rickie Nez co-sponsored.

The Church Rock Industrial Park Project is located within the community of Church Rock, N.M, approximately five-miles east of Gallup, N.M. Rhino Health, LLC, an international nitrile glove manufacturing company, is currently operating a phase one nitrile glove manufacturing plant to produce latex gloves. The phase one and two facilities will offer as many as 350 jobs new jobs on the Navajo Nation, and it will use 100 – percent Navajo labor to construct the facility.

“This project is a great example of what partnerships can do to bring economic opportunities to the Navajo Nation. The manufacturing plant will help those individuals needing jobs to provide for their families. This would not have been possible without past leadership and the collaboration of all the three branches of the Navajo Government,” Nez said.

The appropriation will fund phase two of the construction, including infrastructure, of a manufacturing and warehouse facility, approximately 124,000-square feet, in the Church Rock Industrial Park. The manufacturing facility will become a supplier to government agencies, medical facilities, and food and retail industries.

The Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development, including Industrial Development Specialist Sharlene Begay-Platero, has been working with the Rhino Health LLC to develop the Church Rock Manufacturing facility to begin production.

Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development Executive Director JT Willie stated, “Historically, industrial development had been misunderstood and was not a priority for the Navajo Nation. Now, under the support of the Nez-Lizer Administration and 24th Navajo Nation Council, industrial development is one avenue to employ our Navajo people and diversify the Nation’s economy.”

photo

The nitrile glove manufacturing plant phase one is expected to open in December, and phase two is expected to be constructed by 2021. (Photo/Office of the President and Vice President)

The multi-phase project includes an investment of more than $49 million from Rhino, LLC. It is also partially funded through the New Mexico Economic Development Department, which contributed $3.5 million through the Local Economic Development Act funds.

“The Administration also extends their appreciation to Rhino CEO Mark Lee for working closely with the Nation. The great and successful partnership will bring much-needed jobs and revenue for our Nation for many years to come,” Lizer said.

Once completed, the phase two facility would be owned by the Navajo Nation and will receive a tribal building number.

“The Division of Economic Development has been working on this initiative for years, and it’s exciting to see the project moving forward. The project is already putting our Navajo people to work in preparation for the production of nitrile gloves. This project will bring many jobs home and instill hope and growth for the Navajo Nation,” Nez added.

Also, at the event was Council Delegate Wilson Stewart, Council Delegate Otto Tso, Navajo Nation Division of General Services Lomardo Aseret, Navajo Nation Division of Transportation Garrett Silversmith, Navajo Nation Veterans Administration Acting Executive Director James D. Zwierlein, and Division of Human Resources Executive Director Dr. Perphelia Fowler.

The nitrile glove manufacturing plant phase one is expected to open in December, and phase two is expected to be constructed by 2021.

Information provided by Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read