Irvine-Based Mock Resources Forms Unit to Build Pipelines

Mock Resources Inc. announced Thursday that it has formed a subsidiary to build and acquire pipelines for delivery of natural gas.

The new company, Cal Western Pipeline Inc., was formed July 1 and will concentrate on connecting to or building pipeline projects in California. The company will also work with gas producers to gather and process natural gas.

“This is a complementary business and an opportunity to provide a full range of services to (Mock Resources) customers,” said David Breitmayer, vice president of Cal Western. Mock Resources is an Irvine-based marketer and distributor of natural gas and refined petroleum products.

The new company is expected to pursue connections to recently completed pipeline systems along the Kern and Mojave rivers, he said.

The company will be based in Houston, in part because it is close to other pipeline operators, but it could be relocated to California if most of the customers are there. Cal Western has three employees, but it is not yet known how many more will be hired, Breitmayer said.

“We are just starting,” he said. “We will have a much better idea in the next few months.”

Mock Resources has more than 100 natural gas customers in California, including Barmet Aluminum Corp. and Owens Brockway Glass. Executives of the privately held company, which has about $500 million in annual sales, have been pushing for the deregulation of the natural gas industry in California.

Mock also markets lubricants, fuel oils and crude oils. Its business is concentrated in the western United States, although it also provides services to Mexico, Canada and the Pacific Rim.