These are groups of businesses, not any particular industry or company. The five categories of industry endorsed by the study are food processing, nurseries and greenhouses, metalworking and machinery, electronic and analytical instruments, and warehousing and transportation. Las Cruces is strategically located to Western markets, Coppedge said. We're on two major interstates, within a day's drive of a number of major markets, and our proximity to Mexico is a real asset. Because of this, industries involved in wholesaling, warehousing, packaging and transporting products should find the industrial park appealing.
Food processing is an enterprise that seems particularly promising to the study's authors.
Processing of crops grown in other areas also is a possibility. Crops from other areas of New Mexico, other states or even from Mexico could be shipped to Las Cruces for processing, Coppedge said. The West Mesa Park will be looking at relatively light industry. By planning for this type of industry, the city will be able to better organize things like water mains, roads, power lines and railroad spurs, to the business sites.