Western Refining to close one NM refinery in 2010

TORONTO, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Western Refining said Monday it would consolidate operations at its two New Mexico refineries in the first quarter of 2010 by closing one plant to save about $25 million a year.

"The decision to idle the Bloomfield refinery was a difficult, but necessary, decision to ensure that Western remains well positioned for the future, despite the weak industry dynamics..." said Paul Foster, chief executive officer.

Western owns four U.S. refineries, two in New Mexico, one in El Paso, Texas and one in Yorktown, Virginia. The Bloomfield plant was acquired in the Giant Industries acquisition in 2007. (Reporting by Janet McGurty; Editing by John Picinich)