Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) announced that it will open a new manufacturing plant in Clifford, Mich., to meet the growing demand for the company's corrugated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The plant is expected to be in operation during the second calendar quarter of 2012. This will be the company's second pipe production facility in Michigan, complementing the existing plant located in Owosso.
“The new Clifford facility is strategically located to help serve the growing customer base in the 'thumb' of Michigan, as well as southwestern Ontario,” ADS Chairman and CEO Joe Chlapaty said.
In August 2011, Chlapaty announced a $10 million program directed at improving and expanding ADS manufacturing capacity and delivery ability in the entire Midwest region.
"This new Michigan plant is an extension of that program," he stated. "And we will continue to increase and accelerate our efforts to keep ahead of the demand, which we have seen grow during the past few years."
During 2011, ADS opened new plants in Hampton, Iowa, and Buxton, N.D. A proper drainage system using HDPE pipe is one of the key factors that affect crop growth.
"In Michigan during the spring of 2011, there was so much rain that planting had to be delayed, and many crops that were planted were either washed away, slow to sprout or were damaged," ADS Agricultural Market Manager Kevin Rapp said. "A saturated field not only kills crops, but it doesn’t allow farmers to plant and harvest their crops on a timely basis. Tractors get stuck and the wet soil is so compressed by the weight of the equipment, it's almost impossible to plant. A flooded field also floats away the nitrogen, so crop quality is poor. A drainage system is a must for success, just like the proper amount of water, sunshine, fertilizer and the farmer's skill."
Source: Advanced Drainage Systems
