ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (August 20, 2008) – Molina Healthcare, Inc., announced that it will relocate its IT Center from Molina’s corporate headquarters in Long Beach, California, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The new center will build on Molina’s existing presence in New Mexico where it has been operating as a health plan serving New Mexicans that qualify for the State’s Salud! and State Coverage Initiatives (SCI) Programs.
The new center will be located in Albuquerque’s Mesa del Sol district and is expected to begin operations in 2009.
“After evaluating different states and cities we decided the best location for our new center was Albuquerque,” said J. Mario Molina, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Molina Healthcare. “We are very familiar with New Mexico and the Albuquerque community since we have been arranging for medical services for New Mexicans since 2004. We are convinced the geographic location as well as Albuquerque’s available labor force and quality housing for our employees make this an excellent location for our IT shop.”
“We are thrilled that Molina Healthcare has chosen Albuquerque for this venture,” said Albuquerque Mayor Martin J. Chavez “Not only has Molina been a valued community partner in New Mexico for several years, they also have an unwavering mission and dedication to providing healthcare to low income and underserved individuals and families which benefits the state of New Mexico.”
Molina’s investment in a new 25,000 square-foot facility located on approximately two acres, will allow expansion of the computer center. Occupying 2,000 square feet in its current location, the IT Center will increase to 12,000 square feet. Molina’s growth necessitated the move. The company now operates health plans in nine states and manages more than 1.2 million members.
“This new project is also an opportunity to build an environmentally friendly “green building”, said Dr. Molina. “We’ll be seeking Silver LEED certification for the new IT Center once the design plans are finalized later this month.”
Molina will join others including Fidelity Investments, Schott Solar, Advent Solar and ABQ Studios at Mesa del Sol.
“When companies such as Molina Healthcare commit to moving into a community like Albuquerque, the local economy benefits,” said Harry Relkin, Mesa del Sol Vice President. “The Molina facility will be built using local contractors, new jobs will be created and new tax revenue will be generated.”
About Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: MOH) is a multi-state managed care organization that arranges for the delivery of health care services to persons eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, and other government-sponsored programs for low-income families and individuals. Molina Healthcare’s nine licensed health plan subsidiaries in California, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington currently serve approximately 1.2 million members. More information about Molina Healthcare or Molina Healthcare of New Mexico can be obtained at www.molinahealthcare.com.
About Mesa Del Sol
Mesa del Sol is a 20-square-mile mixed-use district located on Albuquerque’s south mesa. By emphasizing job creation and sustainable development practices from the outset, Mesa del Sol is taking the long view. The result will be a community where environmental sensitivity, economic growth and a wide range of homes and amenities create a healthy, colorful and socially vibrant place to live and work.
Mesa del Sol is a public/private partnership between Forest City Covington NM, LLC, the University of New Mexico and the State Land Office. This 12,900-acre development will feature 3200 acres of parks and open space, 20 million square feet of office, retail and industrial space, 50,000 jobs as well as 38,000 homes with parks, schools and other amenities. Upon completion in 35-50 years, this mixed-use district will be home to more than 100,000 people. www.mesadelsolNM.com
Contact:
Kathleen O’Guin
Public Relations
(562) 951-8305