Cactus Wellhead is no stranger to the Permian Basin or Hobbs, N.M. Still, the recent flurry of investment in the heart of New Mexico’s energy industry came as a surprise.

Today’s Hobbs is different from 20 years ago, according to Cactus Wellhead’s Bobby Hinson. Capital improvements and infrastructure are two reasons Cactus now operates a $6.8 million,  branch facility in Hobbs.

Space was a selling point. More than 55 employees work at the 17,000 square-foot facility. Cactus plans to grow to 40,000 square feet. With the Hobbs expansion, Cactus was able to move people from some of the other cities in the Permian Basin due to lower operating and living costs for its employees.

Hinson also noted Hobbs’ family-oriented environment – so strong he relocated from New York. He’s part of a population increase of nearly 14% between 2010 and 2017.