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McWane Idles Original, 89-Year-Old Ductile Iron Pipe Plant (continued from page 9)


ing sector in particular, demand for waterworks products has dropped by as much as 55%,” said Ruffner Page, president of McWane Inc. “The persis- tence of the economic downturn has left us no choice but to temporarily reduce our production capacity as the market recovers.” According to Page, McWane expects


to restart the Birmingham plant “very soon.” The company said in a state- ment it would attempt to maintain the idled plant (the first facility built by J.R. McWane when he founded the company in 1921) in a condition that will allow a quick restart when market conditions improve. Page said that while the Birmingham


plant is idle, McWane will continue to operate its manufacturing facilities in Utah, Ohio and New Jersey. The com- pany also is working through inventory at the Birmingham plant. According to the McWane statement,


the idling of the plant will affect ap- proximately 117 workers. Page said the company would assist employees with job placement services and counseling. In addition to pipe, McWane pro-


(continued from page 9) Investors Purchase Two


Former Intermet Plants


owners plan to introduce comparable ductile iron jobs to the production lines, including castings for the heavy equip- ment, commercial highway, agricultural and nuclear markets. Minor said that while the facility will


be left in the hands of the previous management team going forward, he and his partners also plan to introduce their own operating philosophies into the business. “We’re metalcasting people,” he said.


“Ray Witt, my mentor, [was] one of the greatest foundrymen ever. We plan on bringing the same kind of philosophies to this facility.”


MC MODERN CASTING / June 2010 11


duces ductile iron valves, hydrants and fittings. The company employs 4,200 in the U.S. and operates 25


manufacturing plants, including 13 ferrous casting facilities, in the U.S., Canada, Australia and China.


MC


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