By Brandi Shaffer | PLASTICS NEWS STAFF
Posted January 24, 2012 HILLIARD, OHIO (Jan. 24, 4:30 p.m. ET) -- Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. is opening a new manufacturing plant in Clifford, Mich., to meet the demand for high density polyethylene piping.
The Hilliard, Ohio-based manufacturer’s expansion is in addition to a $10 million project announced last summer to expand capacity and improve on delivery capabilities, according to a news release.
Chairman and CEO Joe Chlapaty said the location of the new facility was strategically selected to meet the agricultural draining system and infrastructure upgrade needs of the “thumb” region of Michigan and southwestern Ontario.
This will be the second ADS facility in Michigan, joining a plant in Owosso. The Clifford plant is scheduled to be up and running in the second calendar quarter of 2012.
Rapid expansion for the piping manufacturer is nothing new. In 2011 alone, ADS opened plants in Hampton, Iowa, and Buxton, N.D., bringing its total number of domestic and international manufacturing plants to 54 with 24 distribution centers.
In addition to aiding proper drainage of agricultural fields, ADS’ corrugated pipe play roles in the maintenance of sport stadiums, highways, building complexes, airports and infrastructure of cities throughout the world. International plant and yard locations include Brazil, Chile, Puerto Rico and Argentina.
ADS was founded in 1966 and is the world’s largest producer of corrugated HDPE pipe. The company also produces storm water treatment units, geotextiles, fittings and other accessories.
Plastics News reported ADS’ role in the construction of the World Trade Central Memorial Plaza last year, when the company’s HDPE pipe was used in an underground water drainage system. The piping helped the plaza meet LEED-certification requirements. | 
