Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) began construction on its new manufacturing facility in Harrisonville, Mo. This will be the company’s 62nd manufacturing plant and its first in Missouri.
The new, 72,650-sq-ft manufacturing facility is expected to open in the first half of 2017, bringing new employment opportunities to the region. This plant represents a capital investment for ADS, whose growth is a result of favorable policies enacted by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). In 2011 and again in 2014, MoDOT updated its standards specification to allow plastic pipe to be used in statewide infrastructure projects for storm water management. The alternative pipe policies enable engineer choice among technically equivalent options and reduce project costs.
“MoDOT’s policy improvements contributed significantly to ADS’ decision to invest in Missouri,” said Joe Chlapaty, president and CEO of ADS. “This facility will help meet growing demand for our water management solutions, and we are excited about our increasing contributions to the state of Missouri and this wonderful community.”
The company intends to employ approximately 50 people at this facility when fully staffed and will hire locally for employment opportunities in management, machine operation and transportation, among others. The demand for ADS products has grown significantly, including revenue growth of 50% from 2011, the year MoDOT updated their specifications. Enabling specifier choice has contributed to this growth and could be replicated across the country with similar policy advances.
“This new plant allows us to meet the growing demand for all of our products in the region, while helping reduce the cost and time of delivery to our customers. Harrisonville provided an ideal site through land availability, close access to rail and interstate connections and a community with the right work force skills,” said Chlapaty.
Source: Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.
