Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company
MAIZE, Kan. — Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company announced the purchase of 80 acres of land in Maize, Kansas, to build a new $80 million manufacturing facility on May 10. Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company is a top manufacturer of cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings in the U.S.
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.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to expand our operations in the Midwest,” Hooper Hardison, CEO of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, said. “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 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,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “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.”
The project received local, county and state government support.
“Recruiting and securing expansions like Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is key to our state’s economic growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “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.”
Local officials echo that sentiment, adding they proudly welcome Charlotte Pipe and Foundry.
“This is a great day 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,” Maize Mayor Patrick Stivers said. “The company’s strong, family-oriented culture is a perfect fit in our community.”
Area leaders believe Charlotte Pipe and Foundry's expansion signifies a positive step toward enhancing the Maize workforce.
“The County Commission is thrilled Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, a stable employer, chose to expand in Sedgwick County and the City of Maize," Sedgwick County Commissioner David Dennis said. "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."
The 134,000-square-foot plant will be located in the 5800 block of 119th St. 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.
“We were happy to assist Charlotte Pipe and Foundry in its expansion, specifically with their rail needs," WATCO Sales Director Casey Harbour said. "Partnerships such as this highlight how thoughtful teamwork leads to success and longevity in community and business."
In addition, Evergy exemplified unwavering dedication by engaging in collaboration with Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, leading to infrastructure development to yield both financial viability and long-term sustainability.
“Evergy was pleased to work closely with Charlotte Pipe and Foundry to find cost-effective solutions that support its expansion and foster economic growth in Maize and the Greater Wichita region as a whole,” Ebony Clemons, Evergy Senior Economic Development Manager, said.
“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," Hooper Hardison said. "Charlotte Pipe is proud to have served its customers since 1901 and we look forward to continued success in Kansas."
Construction on the Maize facility, the company’s seventh plastics plant in the U.S., is expected to begin in Jan. 2024 with completion slated for early 2025.
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