Released on December 4, 2007

U.S. Pipe, Bessemer, Ala., has hired Electrical Controls and Systems Inc. (EC&S), Birmingham, Ala., as the prime contractor to build the new ductile iron pipe plant the company announced in May.

The expansion, which the pipe maker estimated at $40 million seven months ago, is being constructed adjacent to an existing U.S. Pipe facility and will be the first of its kind in the nation, according to a company press release.

The plant is expected to create roughly 100 jobs and will be the first new ductile iron pipe facility built in the U.S. in more than 55 years. According to a release issued by EC&S, which will provide engineering and construction for the integrated pipe process shop, the plant will incorporate up-to-date environmental protections.

The two companies now expect the plant to startup during the second half of 2008, maintaining the 18 month timeframe established in May. EC&S also recently completed projects for U.S. Pipe facilities in North Birmingham and Bessemer, including new cupola controls and emission systems.