Large-diameter Viega ProPress fittings are shown coming off the manufacturing line. (Photo courtesy Viega LLC via PRNewswire)
The manufacturer said the new plant, expected to be operational in early 2025, will help support growing demand for its products in North America.
BROOMFIELD, Colo.— Viega LLC, a manufacturer of press technology for metal pipe fittings and valves, is planning to build a new manufacturing facility in Shalersville, Ohio, for its ProPress® and MegaPress® products. The company is scheduled to break ground on the 180,000-square-foot plant in November 2023, according to a release from Viega.
The 80-acre parcel in Shalersville and the construction of the new plant are reported to represent an investment of approximately $200 million in Ohio. Viega said its business continues to grow in the U.S., and the additional plant will help support the increased demand for Viega products.
“This is an exciting time at Viega, as our growth continues to prompt the expansion of our North American footprint,” said Viega LLC President and CEO Markus Brettschneider, in a statement. “This new facility in Ohio, along with recent investments in our existing Kansas facility, further supports our growing demand and is part of Viega’s plan to increase North American production. We look forward to expanding our presence in this part of the country to further support our customers.”
Plans for the new plant are also said to align with the company’s sustainability goals, which include reducing the carbon emissions associated with importing products by manufacturing more items in the United States. The new facility will be completely carbon neutral from the start, supporting Viega’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions for all of its plants by 2035, the company said in the release.
“The expansion of our operations into Ohio shows our commitment to creating highly skilled jobs in the U.S.,” said Marki Huston, head of manufacturing for Viega LLC, in the release. “Our goal is to build more sustainable manufacturing processes and continue developing tomorrow’s workforce. With production scheduled to begin in early 2025, we expect to start hiring for positions as soon as January 2024, bringing more than 68 new jobs to the area over the next few years.”
Viega recently announced investments in new equipment for its McPherson, Kansas, manufacturing and distribution facility. The company also supports its customers and partners through distribution centers in Reno, Nevada, and Carlisle, Pennsylvania. More expansion in North America is planned for 2024 and 2025, the release said.
Viega worked with local, regional, and state organizations—including Team NEO, JobsOhio, Portage Development Board, and the Shalersville-Streetsboro Joint Economic Development District—on tax credit assistance and to select the 80-acre site.
“We have a great manufacturing legacy, dedicated talent pool, and future-oriented industry resources to support Viega’s new operations,” said Team NEO Chief Executive Bill Koehler, in the release. “Along with JobsOhio and our local partners, we welcome Viega to the Northeast Ohio Region. We are confident they will thrive here.”
Viega LLC, a subsidiary of The Viega Group, provides press technology to the industrial, commercial, and residential markets.