In recognition of both milestones, Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) Inc. is proud to partner with the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission and History Colorado to honour the state’s past – while looking toward its future – through community events, educational opportunities, statewide celebrations and more.
It’s also an opportunity to reflect on Suncor’s role as Colorado’s only fuel producer and its long-standing contribution to the state’s economy and communities.
For nearly a century, our Commerce City operations have supplied the fuels and products Coloradans rely on every day, supporting communities, businesses and economic growth.
Decades of growth
The original refining facility broke ground in “Commerce Town” in 1931, when Plant 1 was built to support growing demand for gasoline and locomotive fuel. The separate Plant 2 refinery followed in 1937, and, during World War II, the refineries helped fuel the nation’s wartime efforts. In the 1970s, Plant 3 was added to process heavier crude from Montana, expanding capabilities in Commerce City. Plant 1 and Plant 3 together form the refinery Suncor acquired from ConocoPhillips in 2003. Suncor purchased the separate Plant 2 refinery from Valero in 2005.
Built for today’s demands
Today, Commerce City processes in aggregate approximately 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day, producing the fuels and products Coloradans rely on, including:
Suncor’s Commerce City operations are supported by more than 500 employees and contractors, many with decades of experience and multi-generational ties within the workforce, much like their counterparts at our Edmonton Refinery. Employees of Suncor and its affiliates support retail, pipeline and terminal operations across Colorado and Wyoming, as well as supply and trading operations in Texas.
Committed to Colorado’s future
Located just six miles (nearly 10 kilometres) from downtown Denver, Suncor’s Commerce City operations are some of the most visible structures in the region. Our team is proud not only to produce the fuels and products that keep Colorado moving, but also to support the communities where we live and work.
Suncor supports more than 50 non-profit and community organizations in Colorado and Wyoming, with a focus on strong communities, health access, education and workforce development, including long-standing partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and the Adams 14 School District and Education Foundation.