Victaulic, a manufacturer of mechanical pipe joining solutions, has unveiled a plan to build an additional state-of-the-art manufacturing center in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. The 400,000 square foot facility is the result of increased domestic demand for the company’s products. The facility is expected to break ground next year and be fully operational in 2019.
Enhancing product delivery capabilities
“This new facility will play an important role in meeting increased customer demand, while also producing the highest quality products in the industry -- something our customers have come to expect from us since we were founded nearly 100 years ago,” said John Malloy, CEO of Victaulic.
“A major aspect of our business strategy has always been to manufacture products near our customers. While we already manufacture 80 percent of domestically sold products in the United States, this facility will further enhance our product delivery capabilities, making our U.S. operations even more competitive.”
Increasing manufacturing workforce
Pennsylvania Governor Wolf commented, “Whenever a manufacturer expands here in Pennsylvania, its more evidence that our manufacturing sector is growing stronger,” Governor Tom Wolf said.
“The establishment of Victaulic’s new facility doesn’t simply continue the company’s 40-year tradition of commitment to growth here in the Commonwealth – it will also create jobs and help develop the Lehigh Valley’s manufacturing workforce. I applaud Victaulic for this new facility, and I look forward to seeing the company continue to grow for years to come.”
Modernized manufacturing operations
In addition to housing the company’s current light assembly operation, which has been conducted in partnership with Cast-Pac Inc. for 20 years, the new facility will include several millions of dollars in new equipment to modernize its manufacturing operations.
Robotic and optical technology in Victaulic’s new facility will advance the limits of quality control for the company’s castings
Robotic and optical technology in Victaulic’s new facility will advance the limits of quality control for the company’s castings and finished products through automated assembly operations. The use of computerized, visual inspection systems can identify nonconformities, preventing them from being shipped to customers and maintaining Victaulic’s operational excellence over Seven Sigma requirements.
Adding new jobs
Along with the expansion, Victaulic anticipates adding 40-50 new jobs by the end of 2018. From machining and lab technicians to assemblers and production staff, it is expected that many of the new positions will be filled by local talent from the area’s skilled workforce. New hires will join the current Victaulic team of 3,600 employees globally, of which 49 percent are located in the United States.
Victaulic has been a part of the Lehigh Valley business community for nearly 40 years. The new facility will be located on 28 acres of land located in Lower Nazareth Township, Pennsylvania.
