Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
An artist's concept depicting the new ADS plant planned for South 11th Street in Lake Wales.
The new ADS facility will be constructed on this former citrus property adjacent to the closed Hunt Brothers packing house. The plant will receive raw materials via an adjacent rail line and ship finished products on trucks.
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. has officially confirmed that it will build a new, state-of-the-art pipe manufacturing facility in Lake Wales. The company plans to break ground in 2024 on a 100-acre site with frontage on both South 11th Street and Hunt Brothers Road.
The plant will manufacture corrugated plastic pipe, adding to the company's existing manufacturing presence in Florida.
"This advanced manufacturing facility is an important investment in a key region for ADS," said Scott Barbour, ADS President and Chief Executive Officer. "We have experienced significant growth in Florida and the Southeast in recent years, and this facility will help us meet our commitments in the region while giving us the flexibility to expand further as we continue to grow."
"Lake Wales is delighted to partner with ADS to bring this new, innovative facility to our community," said Lake Wales City Manager James Slaton. "We believe this facility will bring opportunity, responsible business growth and prosperity to our region."
The announcement follows a lengthy public debate which at times became emotional for some residents, who were concerned about the potential for negative environmental impacts including threats to water sources and increased truck traffic. In response, ADS hosted a well-attended public meeting at the Lake Wales Arts Center to explain the materials and processes used to manufacture their products. The creation of more than 100 jobs, end the potential for many more, were cited as significant to the economy of the area.
"ADS remained committed to working with the Lake Wales community throughout the purchase process, hosting a town hall and enacting a commitment to the Lake Wales community, creating great jobs, protecting the surrounding environment, and improving the quality of life for residents," the company's announcement stated.
The site which will host the plant was zoned for industrial uses more than a decade earlier. The plant will complement ADS' current, smaller manufacturing facilities in Winter Garden and Sebring. Both of those facilities will remain in operation, "servicing customer demand for stormwater products required for projects throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States," according to a press release from ADS.
ADS uses a mixture of plastics to create their finished projects, with about 60 percent of the material being recycled from other uses, according to company officals. The plant will utilize a rail spur connecting to the existing Florida Midland Railroad line to receive raw materials, and ship the light-weight finished pipes to end users by truck.
The new plant "is designed with the future workforce in mind, promoting safety, efficient flow of materials and traffic, and incorporating the company's most advanced automation technologies for the manufacturing of corrugated thermoplastic pipe," the announcement stated, adding "Advanced Drainage Systems (NYSE: WMS) is a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries."
"ADS is committed to protecting water and supporting communities where we operate, and we are looking forward to further partnership with the City of Lake Wales and area residents," Barbour said. "ADS products protect and manage water, the world's most precious resource, safeguarding the environment and communities."
"Large-scale stormwater-related natural disasters are occurring more frequently and with higher intensity. These events underpin the need for innovative stormwater management solutions that meet the challenges we face today," Barbowww.adspipe.com/lake-walesur added. "Water is a precious and finite resource we must protect, and this facility will enable us to continue to do so."
The company has created a special web page focused on their committment to Lake Wales, which can be found at adspipe.com/lake-wales.
About Advanced Drainage Systems
"Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of innovative stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions that manages the world's most precious resource: water. ADS and its subsidiary, Infiltrator Water Technologies, provide superior stormwater drainage and onsite septic wastewater products used in a wide variety of markets and applications including commercial, residential, infrastructure and agriculture, while delivering unparalleled customer service.
"ADS manages the industry's largest company-owned fleet, an expansive sales team, and a vast manufacturing network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers. The company is one of the largest plastic recycling companies in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year. Founded in 1966, ADS' water management solutions are designed to last for decades. To learn more, visit the company's website at http://www.adspipe.com."
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