Ladder Creek Helium Plant
Our Mission
Our mission is to operate safely, responsibly, and collaboratively. Delivering energy solutions that protect the environment, support our communities, and empower our people. We are committed to advancing midstream infrastructure and helium production with integrity, precision, and long-term value.
Our History
1997–1998
Constructed by Union Pacific Resources (UPR) in eastern Colorado.
1999
Sold to Duke Energy Field Services (DEFS)
2007
Duke Energy Field Services (DEFS) rebrands as DCP Midstream following Duke Energy’s corporate separation.
2019
Tumbleweed Midstream acquired the Ladder Creek Helium Plant.
2020
Tumbleweed Midstream tripled inlet volumes and helium production, revitalizing the plant’s commercial viability.
2025
Ladder Creek operates with a 38 MMcfpd inlet capacity (expandable to 57 MMcfpd) and produces 1.5 MMcf of liquid helium per day at 99.999% purity, making it one of only seven active helium liquefiers in North America.
Our People
Our people are the foundation of everything we do. From plant and field operations to engineering, safety to strategy, each team member plays a vital role in delivering reliable energy solutions with integrity and care.
Inside Ladder Creek Helium
Who We Are
Founded in 2019, Tumbleweed Midstream was formed to acquire and revitalize the Ladder Creek Helium Plant—an asset with untapped potential and strategic importance, being one of North America’s seven active helium liquefiers. Since closing the transaction in December 2019, we’ve tripled inlet and helium volumes.
What We Do
We process native gas from Morrow and Chase reservoirs, separating natural gas liquids and residue gas for pipeline sale, while purifying and liquefying helium to 99.999% purity. Our liquid helium is loaded at -458°F and delivered to the industrial gas market, supporting critical applications from microchips and MRIs to aerospace and safety systems.
Why It Matters
Helium is a non-renewable by-product of natural gas production. It cannot be manufactured, is totally inert, and plays an essential role in modern life. Tumbleweed Midstream ensures this rare resource is responsibly extracted, purified, and delivered safely and sustainably.
Gathering System
Tumbleweed Midstream operates over 700 miles of natural gas pipelines across eastern Colorado and western Kansas.
Our Partners
Let’s Start the Conversation
Have questions or need more information? Reach out to our team—we’re here to help and ready to connect.