Charlotte Pipe and Foundry builds in the Midwest
Charlotte, N.C.-based Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company purchased 80 acres of land in Maize, Kan., a suburb of Wichita, to build a new $80 million manufacturing facility.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to expand our operations in the Midwest,” said Hooper Hardison, CEO of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, manufacturer of cast iron and plastic pipe and fitting. “Maize is ideally located in the center of the country to help us better serve our customers. It is also a fast-growing, business-friendly community with an excellent workforce we can draw from to staff our new plant.”
The 134,000-square-foot plant will be located in the 5800 block of 119th Street West with premier access to the Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (K&O), aiding in the company’s production of PVC pipes for plumbing and irrigation applications.
WATCO, a single-source transportation and supply chain services company, was a pivotal partner in addressing Charlotte Pipe and Foundry’s rail needs, the company said.
“We were happy to assist Charlotte Pipe and Foundry in its expansion, specifically with their rail needs, said WATCO Sales Director Casey Harbour. “Partnerships such as this highlight how thoughtful teamwork leads to success and longevity in community and business.”
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry has plastic pipe manufacturing locations in Cameron, Texas; Muncy, Pennsylvania; and Wildwood, Florida. It operates pipe and fitting production facilities in Monroe, North Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; and Cedar City, Utah. The company is also expected to launch its new greenfield foundry operation in Stanly County, North Carolina in late 2023 as a replacement for its more than 100-year-old plant in Charlotte.
The latest plan for expansion, which received local, county and state government support, is expected to create 50 new, full-time positions in Maize.
“Our laser-sharp focus on supporting businesses and investing in infrastructure continues to drive economic growth in every corner of the state,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Charlotte Pipe and Foundry brings a strong, family-oriented culture coupled with good-paying jobs and benefits to central Kansas. My administration looks forward to supporting the company’s success.”
“Recruiting and securing expansions like Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is key to our state’s economic growth,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “Great jobs — like the 50 new jobs being announced — will help attract and retain skilled workers in our state, allowing more businesses to get the job done here in Kansas.”