GF Central Plastics breaks ground on 2nd plant in Shawnee $30M investment will accommodate growth, create 300 jobs
GF Central Plastics breaks ground on a new 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Shawnee, Okla. Left to right: Tom Bailey, CFO, COO, Business Unit Americas, GF Piping Systems; Casey Swenson, VP of Sales and Marketing, GF Central Plastics; Roger Rutherford, Director of Business Development, GF Central Plastics; Jeff Wright, Technical Director, GF Central Plastics; Grant Rogers, Regional Head of Manufacturing, Business Unit Americas, GF Piping Systems; James Jackson, Head of Business Unit Americas, GF Piping Systems; Bryan Lucas, President and Managing Director, GF Central Plastics; Tom Veeley, VP of Product Management and R&D, GF Central Plastics; Marina Valentine, Head of Marketing and Communications, Business Unit Americas, GF Piping Systems; and Mark Gruber, Head of Human Resources, Business Unit Americas, GF Piping Systems. [Source: GF Piping Systems]
Shawnee, Okla./November 14, 2023—Expanding its footprint in the City of Shawnee, Georg Fischer Central Plastics has broken ground for a new, 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 41401 Wolverine Road. This $30M investment will accommodate the company’s growing business needs while creating as many as 300 full-time jobs upon opening
GF Central Plastics is North America’s largest single-source manufacturer of metal and polyethylene pipe joining products in the gas and municipal water utility industry. James Jackson, Head of Business Unit Americas for GF Piping Systems, welcomed guests to today’s opening event with words of praise for GF Central Plastics’ success.
“Our decision to invest in Shawnee reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone in our GF Central Plastics division,” said Jackson. “Their strong performance has been a critical asset for our company, and we’re proud to give them added room to grow.” Bryan Lucas, President and Managing Director of GF Central Plastics, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony.
Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt, State Senator Grant Green, and State Representative Dell Kerbs all attended the event, joined by Crystal Romanyszyn, President of Shawnee Forward. “We’re extremely pleased to see GF Central Plastics deepen its roots in Shawnee,” said Bolt. “We appreciate the role of Shawnee Forward in facilitating this major project, and we welcome the added job growth for our vibrant community.”
“This success story highlights the collaborative efforts between Georg Fischer Central Plastics and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce,” said Jennifer Springer, Director of Business Development, Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “Through initiatives like the Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity Fund (PREP) and the Supporting Industrial Transformation and Economic Success Program (SITES), we facilitated crucial infrastructure enhancements. This support not only led to the creation of 300 new jobs but also attracted a significant $30 million investment in the state of Oklahoma. It exemplifies our commitment to assisting existing companies for sustainable growth and expansion.”
Located just north of the Shawnee Shopping Mall, the New Metals Facility will occupy a 40-acre site purchased from Shawnee Forward, an economic development nonprofit. Upon completion, GF Central Plastics will relocate its gas meter fabrication department to the new location, freeing space at its established West Independence Street plant for growth in its plastics manufacturing business. The Wolverine Road site will also house offices, a warehouse, and shipping and receiving services.
Designed by Tap Architecture in consultation with Entegrity Partners, the project will seek LEED Silver certification for its sustainable design and construction. Under the direction of Evans Construction, work at Wolverine Road is expected to continue through the spring of 2025.
Contact for media representatives
Agency:
Katherine Bonamo
Mercury Marketing Communications
(203) 348-7541
GF Central Plastics
Dani Shields
(405) 878-3978
About GF Piping Systems
As the leading flow solutions provider for the safe and sustainable transport of fluids, GF Piping Systems creates connections for life. The division focuses on industry-leading leak-free piping solutions for numerous demanding end-market segments. Its strong focus on customer-centricity and innovation is reflected by its global sales, service, and manufacturing footprint and its award-winning portfolio, including fittings, valves, pipes, automation, fabrication, and jointing technologies.
GF Piping Systems has its own sales companies in 31 countries, which means it is always by its customers’ side. Production sites in 36 locations in America, Europe, and Asia ensure sufficient availability and quick, reliable delivery. In 2022, GF Piping Systems generated sales of CHF 2,160 million and employed 8,085 people. GF Piping Systems is a division of Georg Fischer AG, founded in 1802 and headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
