Hanson Pipe & Precast has just opened a new state-of-the-art, fully automated facility in northwest Houston. The facility is designed to produce high-volume amounts — 640 tons of quality-tested concrete pipe products every day, including those used for storm water drainage systems, sewers and water treatment, for the growing Houston market.
Houston is one of Hanson's largest markets in North America. Due to the city's flat topography, proximity to the Gulf and the fact that it's only about 40 feet above sea level, Houston is prone to hurricanes and this fuels demand for Hanson's water control products.
"With the ability to produce, on average, one pipe per minute, the technology in this facility greatly increases our production efficiency while maintaining an environmentally friendly and safe workplace and providing the highest quality concrete pipe," said Clifford Hahne, Hanson's South Central region president. "We are proud to produce the infrastructure of much of the Houston area's systems that keep the community safe and water clean."
The innovations in technology in this facility make it possible to produce 500 tons of product per production shift. Pipe is produced on the three-station rotary turntable automated Hawkeye PipePro96 Machine; this machine also includes modules for creating varying diameters of pipe. This means that multiples of varying diameter pipe can be produced at the same time, as long as the total diameter of the pipes being made are 96 — for instance, the machine can manufacture six 24-inch pipes at one time, two 48-inch pipes or one 96-inch pipe. Hanson's new Houston facility is one the first concrete pipe facilities in the United States to use a fully automated curing system that controls heat and humidity independently and is designed for any length or continuous productions shifts.
The new facility, located at 11201 F.M. 529, and managed by Mike Cline, adds production capability to Hanson's site in Jersey Village. The three facilities on that site currently employ approximately 250 people. Hanson also has a facility at 6800 Helmers Street in Houston that produces reinforced concrete pipe, pressure pipe and corrugated steel pipe.
The facility celebrated their opening with a grand gala March 22 benefiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Houston area community leaders and Hanson customers enjoyed a tour of the new facility and an evening of festivities.
Hanson Pipe & Precast is a division of Hanson PLC, a world leader in providing heavy building materials to the construction industry. Hanson Pipe & Precast is North America's largest manufacturer of concrete pipe and precast products, including residential and commercial building components, bridges, manholes, and retaining walls; as well as being a premier producer of steel and pressurized pipe. Houston is part of Hanson's South Central operating region based in Grand Prairie, Texas, which services Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
