Demands for secure self-storage units and moving services prompted U-Haul to build a facility in Carlsbad.
July 1 the Phoenix, Arizona- based company acquired property west of South Canal Street and U.S. Highway 62/180, a news release from the company stated.
The company, founded in 1945 in Ridgefield, Washington, planned a three-story storage center which would sit on 6.23 acres and should open by next year, read the release.
More:City of Carlsbad and CDOD agree on economic development extension
Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) Marketing and Business Development Director Jeff Campbell said U-Haul’s search for property in Carlsbad was nearly three years in the making.
“Back in 2018 I assisted them with property searches for this project,” he said.
The 100,000 square foot Carlsbad facility would house a 700-plus indoor, Americans with Disabilities (ADA)-accessible self-storage rooms with climate-control options and high-tech security features, the release read.
U-Haul Company of Southern New Mexico Vice President Bianca Sotelo-Herrera said the Carlsbad location would offer items for movers.
“We’re going to continue bringing our customers trucks and trailers and the rentals. We’re also going to be offering (trailer) hitch installations for those that want a tow and maybe don’t have the accessory on their vehicle. We can help with that and be local,” she said.
More:What we learned from Eddy County 2020 census results
Campbell said population growth in Eddy County indicated a need for a company like U-Haul in Carlsbad.
“Eddy County had the fastest growth rate according the 2020 Census at 15.8 percent in the State, so yes,” he said.
“We’re working with the city to improve residents’ quality of life through residential mobility and by meeting their storage needs.”
Herrera said U-Haul is an equipment share company and wanted a location in Carlsbad.
“We were finally able to make a move to get our foot in there and help our customers by being more convenient,” she said.
More:Pearl of the Pecos arts projects take shape in downtown Carlsbad
Herrera said ground could be broken sometime this year in anticipation of next year’s opening.
U-Haul planned to hire 15 employees for its Carlsbad location, the press release indicated.
Herrera said the number of employees could grow depending on feedback and service from Carlsbad customers.
Campbell said U-Haul’s presence meant more job opportunities for Carlsbad area residents.
U-Haul has moving and storage locations in Roswell and Hobbs, per the release and company website.
More:Federal stimulus could boost New Mexico renewable energy, create jobs, study says
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
