AMERICAN plans to build valve and hydrant research center

AMERICAN Flow Control, the valve and hydrant division of AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, has announced the formation of AMERICAN Innovation, LLC, a company dedicated to research and development. The company intends to construct a facility, the AMERICAN Flow Control Center for Innovative Excellence, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, beginning this summer.

It is estimated the 30,000-square-ft facility will cost $9-12 million to build. Once completed, it will employ approximately eight research and development personnel. The facility will include the latest equipment and technologies for enhancing existing valve and hydrant products, as well as developing new infrastructure-related products. “It will expand our research and design functions, allowing us to fast track innovations to get products to market more quickly,” said John Hagelskamp, division sales manager for AMERICAN Flow Control.