Building the Nation’s Largest Cast Iron Pipe Fittings Foundry

It’s no secret the Carolinas have become a hot relocation destination for many of the nation’s top companies. The region has seen exponential construction growth in market sectors ranging from technology to industrial. But the impact that “hometown: companies are having in the area shouldn’t be overlooked

Founded in 1901, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is the nation’s top producer of cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings. In 2020, Charlotte Pipe announced plans to relocate its cast iron foundry from uptown Charlotte to 480 acres in Oakboro, N.C. This massive three-year project included out-of-ground construction for multiple buildings across 129 acres, including a 490,000- sq-ft, state-of-the-art foundry that serves as the company’s newest manufacturing facility, supporting major operations including melting iron and pouring molds.

The Local Effect

At the project’s peak, nearly 500 men and women were on the jobsite each day, resulting in more than 1.2 million man-hours across its duration, providing a significant boost to the local economy. The project team took pride in the local effect, working closely with state office community stakeholders and local authorities to secure community buy in and support.

Relationships Built to Last

The project was completed through a design-build partnership that helped ensure unity and collaboration throughout a challenging process. A longtime partner of Charlotte Pipe, Carolinas-based general contractor Barringer Construction worked closely with the client to implement cutting-edge technology, and extensive safety protocols (including a partnership with the N.C. Dept. of Labor OSH Division) and to ensure a safe, successful outcome that will positively impact the Carolinas for years to come.

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