Announces Plan to Build Manufacturing Facility on Former Buick City Site
(Flint, MICH. – November 13) Today AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company and the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce announced a major investment in the City of Flint that will jumpstart the long awaited rebirth of the iconic Buick City site. The Birmingham, Ala.-based company unveiled plans to build a new facility at the site during a press conference at the offices of the Flint & Genesee Chamber. The plant is expected to bring up to 60 new jobs to the region.
AMERICAN was recently awarded a contract to provide pipe for the Karegnondi Water Authority Pipeline. The company currently employs 3,000 people across the country, 2,000 of which are at the headquarters plant and offices in Birmingham.
“A major manufacturer building a facility at the former Buick City site is exciting news for Flint and Genesee County,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “This announcement is evidence of the strong workforce and world-class transportation infrastructure that make this region a great place to locate a viable business. The reinvention of the region continues and the economic growth of Flint and Genesee County is looking stronger every day.”
Flint Mayor Dayne Walling echoed Herman’s sentiments regarding the new AMERICAN facility.
“This is terrific news for our community on many levels; not only will this facility have an immediate positive economic impact, but it will improve Flint’s future by optimizing construction on the KWA pipeline,” said Mayor Walling.
According to Jamie Curtis, Chair of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners and Karegnondi Water Authority Board Member today’s announcement bodes well for the future of the region.
“AMERICAN is a welcome addition to the business community here in Genesee County,” said Curtis. “I’d like to congratulate AMERICAN and the entire team that made today’s announcement possible, especially the Flint & Genesee Chamber for their tireless work as the County’s economic development team. As a KWA board member, it is wonderful to see the project move forward with this important step in the process. The economic benefit and efficiencies that will be realized when KWA comes together will have an important impact on the well-being of the county.”
The new Flint facility will join seven existing AMERICAN locations. The 108-year-old company manufactures ductile iron pipe, spiral-welded steel pipe, fire hydrants and valves for the waterworks industry and electric-resistant-welded steel pipe for the oil and gas industry.
“We are proud to be the first manufacturing company to build on the former Buick City site. We believe this site and this community are a good fit for our organization’s plans for growth, and we believe we have a lot to offer you – our neighbors – here in the City of Flint, the I-69 Corridor and the Great Lakes region,” said Patrick Hook, Vice President of Operations, AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe.
AMERICAN cited working with RACER Trust, the organization responsible for the sale of Buick City and other former General Motors sites, as providing the right price and environmental assurances to make the deal happen.
“Today’s announcement is the product of a great deal of effort, leadership and vision from a wide range of very dedicated and determined people in the City of Flint,” said Elliott P. Laws, Administrative Trustee for RACER Trust. “We congratulate Mayor Walling, Tim (Herman) and his team at the Chamber, and most importantly the people of Flint. Today is an exciting day for the city and for all of Michigan and I look forward to continuing our mission to bring investment and jobs back to the community.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has worked continuously to ensure that the ongoing cleanup of the site is protective of the health of people in the area, as well as the environment.
“The sale and redevelopment of the Buick City property is a great achievement for the City of Flint and for the RACER Trust,” said Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for the EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “EPA was pleased to work with the City and the Trust to find the needed administrative flexibility to allow this site to be sold. Mayor Walling and the RACER Trust are to be commended for their determination and hard work in making this happen.”
According to Joe Serra, President of Serra Automotive Group and Board Chair for the Flint & Genesee Chamber this is great news for the region’s business community.
“AMERICAN and the KWA pipeline will definitely enhance our ability as a region to attract businesses in the industrial and agricultural industries that require raw water,” said Serra. “This will increase the potential for growth in these industries along the I-69 International Trade Corridor. I want to personally welcome AMERICAN to the area. We are glad to have them join the Flint and Genesee County business community.”
As the CEO of the Karegnondi Water Authority and Genesee County Drain Commissioner Jeffrey Wright says today’s announcement is evidence of the progress that is being made with the water pipeline.
“KWA opened the door for AMERICAN to take a close look at locating a facility in Flint, but it is the history of hard work and dedication of the people in this community that made today a reality,” said Wright. “It will be the success of AMERICAN, as a result of that hard work, that will lead to other companies locating in Flint and Genesee County. I hope to see many more days like today.”
Media contacts:
Elaine Redd
Flint & Genesee Chamber
(810) 600-1418
Regina Strong, APR
Flint & Genesee Chamber
(810) 600-1421
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About AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company
Founded in 1905 in Birmingham, Ala., AMERICAN is a manufacturer of ductile iron pipe, spiral-welded steel pipe, fire hydrants and valves for the waterworks industry, and electric-resistance-welded steel pipe for the oil and natural gas industries. AMERICAN’s diversified product line also includes static castings and fire pumps. More information is available on AMERICAN’s website at www.american-usa.com.
About the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce
The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce (flintandgenesee.org) is one of the Top 10 largest chambers in Michigan based on revenue and number of members. We are the voice of business and community advocacy in Flint & Genesee. The Chamber is over 100 years old, was established before the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the United States Chamber of Commerce.
Two words describe the Chamber as it enters its second century of service: collaboration and partnership. It is our goal to work with government, business, education, nonprofit organizations and consumers to support the growth and development of the community economically, culturally and socially. For more information, about the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, visit flintandgenesee.org, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/GRCC_Chamber,and #seewhatspossible, check out our blog at seeandbseen.org/ and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/FlintandGeneseeChamberofCommerce .