U.S. Pipe to build first new ductile plant in more than 55 years.

U.S. Pipe, Birmingham, Ala., announced it will invest more than $40 million to build a ductile iron pipe plant adjacent to its existing facility in Bessemer, Ala.

The new plant will create as many as 100 jobs. U.S. Pipe officials expect to break ground in June. The new facility is expected to be online in 18 months.

"After months of review, we decided Bessemer is the best location to expand," said U.S. Pipe president Ray Torok. "Bessemer's commitment to economic development, the site's convenient location and U.S. Pipe's history with the community made it the ideal choice for us." Before deciding on Bessemer, U.S. Pipe considered a site adjacent to its North Birmingham, Ala., facility, as well as locations in other parts of the country.

The company said in a press release it expects the expansion project will be the first of its kind in the nation, as well as the first new ductile iron pipe plant built in the U.S. in more than 55 years. The new plant will be highly automated, according to the release. Manual pipe-making jobs performed for more than a century will become computer-controlled, automated processes.

The new plant will use several environmental safeguards, including low-emissions manufacturing techniques like water-based paint and low nitrous oxide annealing oven burners. The new plant also will feature an emission control system.