Canadian steel company Endurance Technologies eyes Las Cruces for first US plant

Canadian steel company Endurance Technologies is eyeing Las Cruces as the location of its first facility in the United States.

State economic development officials said the processing and manufacturing plant could create around 40 jobs and bring more than $50 million in economic impact to New Mexico.

Las Cruces is among four locations in three states being considered, said New Mexico Economic Development Department spokesperson Chris Chaffin, and a final decision is expected in November. EDD officials said the southern New Mexico city had “emerged as a leading candidate.”

“Building this facility in Las Cruces would represent a clear vote of confidence in New Mexico’s future, recognizing the strength of our workforce, our strategic location, and our commitment to smart, sustainable growth,” Economic Development Secretary Rob Black said in a statement.

Endurance Technologies is considering multiple factors in choosing a site for its U.S. facility, including logistics, property availability, workforce, utility access, business climate, operating costs and lending opportunities, according to a news release.

The project would move into a vacant 45,050-square-foot building at the city of Las Cruces’ Innovation and Industrial Park, EDD officials said. Endurance Technologies projects investing $11 million into the project in the first three years, for a total expenditure above $18 million.

Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez said in a statement he was “thrilled” about the possible development.

“Their investment in our community, from revitalizing a vacant property to creating quality jobs, aligns perfectly with our vision for economic growth and innovation. This project would not only strengthen our local economy but also showcase Las Cruces as a hub for industry and opportunity,” Enriquez said.

Endurance Technologies, based in Calgary, Alberta, manufactures and processes steel for oil and gas, agriculture, mining, forestry and industrial purposes. The company is expanding to the U.S. to deepen its production capabilities, according to the release.

“We began our expansion search with multiple facilities located over multiple states and have pored over measurable business metrics that have created a short list of prospects,” Endurance Technologies President and CEO Jeff Pitura said in a statement. “New Mexico’s official slogan is the ‘Land of Enchantment,’ while its slogan for business is ‘Everybody is somebody in New Mexico.’ This speaks to the cultures we value, and your representatives have positioned you well.”

New Mexico is being considered as the new location of multiple major business developments this year. Last month, the Journal reported that California-based missile manufacturer Castelion Corp. is evaluating building a facility in Sandoval County. And Pacific Fusion, an energy company also from California, may build a $1 billion nuclear fusion facility in Albuquerque.

“This is how we create lasting jobs, grow local economies, and ensure our communities don’t just get by — they get ahead,” Black said.