Victaulic Starts New Mexican Iron Foundry

Victaulic is operating a new ductile iron foundry and machining complex in Chihuahua, Mexico, where it is producing custom castings and large-diameter pipe joining products for distribution in the U.S., Mexico, Latin America, and South America. The new plant also has machining, fabricating, and assembly operations for Victaulic’s mechanical pipe joining products, according to an announcement.

The Chihuahua plant is said to be among the largest of Victaulic’s 11 manufacturing operations worldwide. It covers 133,000 ft2 over 30 acres. The value of the investment was not announced. When describing the new installation at its groundbreaking in 2009, the manufacturer estimated it would employ 1,000 people over the next five years.

“The opening of the new Chihuahua facility signifies the growth of Victaulic in Mexico, Latin America and South America and will help us meet the strong demand for our products in the region,” stated Victaulic chairman, president, and CEO John Malloy. “We’re also pleased to announce Chihuahua as one of our largest facilities to date and consider it an exciting expansion for the company.”

Victaulic, based in Easton, PA, produces valve systems and pipe products. Its Victaulic Custom Castings division produces ductile iron castings in Easton and at two recently expanded foundries in Dalian, China, and Drezdenko, Poland. A foundry in Richmond Hill, Ont., produces bronze, brass, and aluminum castings.

The Chihuahua foundry will produce custom castings and large-diameter pipe joints up to 72 in. diameter, which the company said will expand the variety of castings it produces and the and manufacturing services it offers to customers.

“Further, by opening the Chihuahua foundry, Victaulic is able to expand its iron casting to include larger custom castings—up to 1,500 lb,” according to the statement. “Also, as the new regional distribution center, the facility will deliver products more efficiently, reducing transportation time, and saving project contractors time and money.

Victaulic has a distribution center for Central and South America at Queretaro, Mexico, and the company indicated the new center will increase its ability to train and support customers in the region.