Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, the nation’s top manufacturer of cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings, announced construction has started on its new $80 million manufacturing facility in Maize, Kan.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to expand our operations in the Midwest,” said Hooper Hardison, CEO of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry. “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 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— will help attract and retain skilled workers in our state, allowing more businesses to get the job done here in Kansas.”
Local officials echo that sentiment, adding they proudly welcome Charlotte Pipe and Foundry as it signifies a positive step toward enhancing the area’s workforce.
“This is great for the City of Maize. Our skilled workforce is eager to get to work and help Charlotte Pipe and Foundry solidify its 122 years in business by bringing quality piping to customers across the globe while diversifying the Maize economy,” said Maize Mayor Patrick Stivers. “The company’s strong, family-oriented culture is a perfect fit in our community.”
“The County Commission is thrilled Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, a stable employer, chose to expand in Sedgwick County and the City of Maize. South Central Kansas is a proven manufacturing hub, and we support the company as it gives our talented workforce another strong opportunity to sharpen their skills and provide an essential manufacturing service,” said Sedgwick County Commissioner David Dennis.
The 134,000-square-foot plant is 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.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to all government entities and business partners for their due diligence and commitment to make this land purchase and subsequent facility construction a reality. Charlotte Pipe is proud to have served its customers since 1901 and we look forward to continued success in Kansas,” added Hardison.
Construction on the Maize facility, the company’s seventh plastics plant in the United States, began in January 2024 with completion slated for early 2025.
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; Cedar City, Utah; and Oakboro, North Carolina.
