Project aims to address current and future demand for valves, hydrants, and other water-transmission and -distribution needs

Mueller Water Products Inc. plans to build a new, "state-of-the-art" foundry on a 30-acre site in Decatur, IL, adding production capacity "to meet current and future demands of Mueller customers and the industry." The new plant is part of a multi-year project to modernize and improve operating efficiencies of MWP’s existing foundry in Decatur, according to an announcement.

Mueller manufactures and distributes products used in the transmission, distribution, and measurement of water in North America. The current Decatur foundry and manufacturing operation produces castings and parts for water valves and hydrants, employing about 600. The new plant would employ up to 250.

Although the project reportedly is still in its design phase, construction will begin this fall. The new plant is forecast to be among the largest finished-goods brass foundries in the world.

The project was announced by the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, a nonprofit public-private partnership that works to attract and retain non-retail business in the region. There were no details made available to describe the incentive package made available by EDC, and MWP did not indicate its planned capital expenditure.

"Mueller is committed to continuing to build and strengthen our American manufacturing footprint," stated president and CEO Scott Hall.

Atlanta-based Mueller Water Products manufactures engineered valves, fire hydrants, pipe connection and repair products, metering products, leak detection, and pipe condition assessment. Its brands include Mueller®, Echologics®, Hydro Gate®, Hydro-Guard®, HYMAX®, Jones®, Krausz®, Mi.Net® Milliken®, Pratt®, Singer®, and U.S. Pipe Valve & Hydrant.

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