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LAS CRUCES UTILITIES

Gas service critical to new plant

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When pipe manufacturer Big Tuna was looking for a new location to call home, three components were critical: a reliable supply of natural gas, the right weather and a location near major customers in New Mexico, West Texas, Wyoming and Colorado. Las Cruces filled the bill perfectly, and Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) was able to provide the natural gas Big Tuna requires.

Big Tuna’s product: glass-reinforced epoxy pipe, similar to fiberglass, used in oil, gas and mining operations.

Ensuring that Las Cruces could handle Big Tuna’s natural gas needs was a straightforward process, said Mike Watters, director of operations for Big Tuna USA.

“It was very easy to work with LCU,” Watters said. “Early on we engaged with the State of New Mexico and the City of Las Cruces for building permits, and LCU found ways to help support us with natural gas delivery that works for our needs.”

Big Tuna is located on West Amador Avenue, where Watters said he expects to see the first rounds of pipe production in Las Cruces by September, employing 20, with additional jobs coming on in the future.

LCU can be reached at 575-528-3500 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. LCU provides services to approximately 100,000 Las Cruces residents and businesses.

Las Cruces Utilities, LCU, Big Tuna

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