Hanson Pipe & Precast Inc., Northeast Region, began construction last month on a $10.2 million plant and equipment expansion project at its Columbus, Ohio facility. Construction will be completed in October 2006.

The investment includes the construction of a new physical plant at the present location on 1500 Haul Road, as well as a significant investment in equipment. The Columbus Plant currently employs approximately 50 people.

"This expansion project is representative of Hanson's commitment to our customers, employees and the surrounding community by continuing to supply the infrastructure needs of Columbus and the surrounding communities," Bob Christensen, president of Hanson Pipe & Precast, Northeast Region, said.

Mark McNeill, vice president and general manager of Hanson Ohio, said that the new facility will enable Hanson to not only supply the needs in infrastructure and drainage, but also will allow Hanson to continue meeting the high quality standards of the City of Columbus and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Hanson Pipe & Precast also operates other facilities in Ohio, specifically in Cincinnati, Dayton, Sidney and Cleveland, and is proud to count the State Department of Transportation, major cities and counties, public authorities, the Army Corps of Engineers, major airports and numerous private entities among its clients.

"The Columbus investment follows other investments the Northeast Region has completed over the last year. An $11.5 million new plant in Jessup, Md., and a $2 million upgrade in Hanover, Va. were completed in mid-2005. In addition, a $6.2 million new plant also was commissioned in January 2006 in Sioux Falls, S.D.," Christensen added.

Hanson Pipe & Precast, Inc. is a diversified manufacturer of concrete pipe and a variety of supporting products including manholes, drainage structures, box culverts, bridge components, retaining walls and concrete block. Its 6,400 U.S. employees and plant locations throughout 25 states and two Canadian provinces enable them to serve the most rapidly growing parts of North America.

For more information, see hansonpipeandprecast.com.