PROVO, Utah (April 18, 2023) ─ McWane Poles, among the McWane Inc. family of companies, today marked the official opening of its newest ductile iron utility poles facility. Located in Provo, Utah, the new $18.5 million investment complements McWane’s existing presence in the area with its ductile iron pipe operation. It marks the second facility dedicated to poles across the company’s growing footprint.
McWane’s patented manufacturing process produces ductile iron utility poles with engineered strength, dimensional consistency and natural corrosion resistance. These poles are impervious to rot, insects and woodpeckers; are highly fire resistant; and can withstand significant wind loads in the most adverse conditions. The performance characteristics of McWane’s ductile iron poles have established the product as the preferred choice among utilities working to make their systems more resilient.
Ductile iron poles weigh less than wood poles, requiring less energy and fuel to transport, thereby reducing carbon emissions and lowering transportation costs. Additionally, McWane ductile iron poles are made from approximately 96% recycled material and are 100% recyclable.
The new 54,000-square-foot facility was constructed over a 21-month period and produces poles that vary in length between 30 and 110 feet with a cycle time for a baseline pole of less than 12 minutes.
According to McWane Poles Assistant General Manager Chris Hutras, “We are thrilled to open our new facility alongside our ductile iron pipe plant, positioning our operation for long-term success while enhancing McWane’s impact as an economic engine in the Provo community.”
Hutras added, “We greatly appreciate the support of the County Commission in helping us navigate this process. This multi-year project would not have been possible without the fortitude of many McWane team members in tandem with numerous civic and community leaders.”
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About McWane Poles
Conceived in 2007 following research and development of a tapered pole design for centrifugal casting of ductile iron, McWane manufactured its first ductile iron utility pole. Following the commissioning of casting molds and completion of extensive third-party testing, McWane Poles went to market in 2008. A 140,000-square-foot building was purchased to house a new, fully automated manufacturing line in Coshocton, Ohio, home to one of three McWane ductile iron pipe plants. This investment increased capacity five-fold and significantly shortened product lead time. As the ductile iron poles business flourished, McWane announced a second facility to be built in Provo, Utah, adjacent to another McWane ductile iron pipe plant. The new facility, which marked its grand opening in April 2023, increased capacity by more than 60 percent. Today, McWane ductile iron poles are installed in 42 states and over 450 utilities. For more information, visit mcwanepoles.com.
About McWane Inc.
McWane, Inc. is a family-owned business based in Birmingham, Alabama, with companies across the U.S. and around the world. The McWane family of companies casts ductile iron products, including pipe, valves, hydrants, fittings and plumbing products, and manufactures fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems and steel pressure vessels. McWane is a leader in delivering clean, safe drinking water while focusing on safe, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. With more than 7,000 team members, McWane has a longstanding commitment of supporting the communities where our team members live and work. For more information, visit mcwane.com.
