Forterra moves deep into water infrastructure supply chain with ductile iron pipe play

Sources: Forterra Building Products, Irving, Texas; CP staff

The top producer of reinforced concrete pipe, concrete and steel pressure pipe, plus precast drainage products has greatly expanded its prospects in the water infrastructure market, acquiring ductile iron product leader U.S. Pipe. The Birmingham, Ala., operator brings Forterra Building Products 20 manufacturing and fabrication facilities in the U.S. and Mexico, and the leading brand of ductile iron pipe, fittings, joint restraints and related products among distributors, contractors and engineers.

“The addition of U.S. Pipe is the next step in Forterra’s strategic growth plan and builds on our successful track record of partnering with businesses that have great people and strong market positions,” says Forterra CEO Jeff Bradley. “The combination of U.S. Pipe and Forterra enhances our position in attractive and growing end markets, creates the leading North American water transmission and infrastructure business, and brings meaningful benefits for our customers. We expect to further invest in U.S. Pipe in order to extend and enhance its strong record of profitable growth, both through additional value-creating acquisitions and capital investment.”

“U.S. Pipe has provided dependable and economical solutions and service for over a century, and we look forward to continuing that tradition as part of the Forterra family. This strategic business combination clearly positions our combined enterprise for enhanced growth and success, and provides expanded opportunities and benefits to our customers and employees,” adds U.S. Pipe CEO Paul Ciolino.

The acquisition adds a valuable new growth platform and expanded capabilities, Forterra officials contend, citing how U.S. Pipe’s complementary portfolio of products strategically augments Forterra’s existing suite of concrete and steel pressure pipe solutions. The combined operations will serve a broad customer base across the residential, commercial and infrastructure landscape with pipe ranging from 3 in. up to 144-in. diameter, plus a complete solution set for the first to last mile of water transmission and distribution networks. U.S. Pipe will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Forterra and maintain Alabama headquarters.