Albuquerque, NM - Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced that Mako Medical Laboratories will partner with Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute to establish a location in Albuquerque, creating 100 new jobs. The jobs include laboratory technicians, administrative staff, and sales and marketing positions. The company is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and chose New Mexico for its first location in the Western U.S.

"We're proud to welcome one of the fastest growing companies in their field to New Mexico," Governor Martinez said. "We're doing all we can to help businesses grow and thrive while recruiting new companies like Mako to our state. Encouraging results like these show that New Mexico is becoming more competitive with other states as we seek to grow and diversify our economy."

Mako Medical Laboratories provides medical lab testing for doctors and medical professionals all across the country. Through this partnership, Mako will help Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute meet its medical testing and laboratory needs, while enabling Mako to better serve customers throughout the Western U.S. as well.

"New Mexico's open and welcoming attitude and business environment helped us make the decision to locate in Albuquerque," said Joshua Arant, chief operating officer and co-founder of Mako Medical. "We could not be happier with our experience and look forward to operating in the state and hiring New Mexico workers."

Mako will receive $150,000 in Local Economic Development Act funding. LEDA serves as New Mexico's closing fund and is an important tool for helping businesses already here expand and succeed while bringing new companies into the state as well. Nearly zeroed out when Governor Martinez took office, she has continued to fight to grow this important tool to more than $56 million.

"New Mexico's healthcare sector is one of the fastest growing in our economy," said EDD Cabinet Secretary Jon Barela. "We're proud to welcome Mako to New Mexico in partnership with Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, a world-class medical facility with a strong heritage and ties to the community going back many years. As we continue to bolster our private sector, it shows that Governor Martinez's continuing commitment to business friendly reforms is making a difference."

The New Mexico Economic Development Department will also work with Mako to assist them in applying for Job Training Incentive Program funding, which helps companies hire and train more New Mexicans as they grow. New Mexico's JTIP has been recognized as one of the most successful in the country.