GF Central Plastics Breaks Ground on Additional Plant

Georg Fischer (GF) Central Plastics has broken ground for a new 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Shawnee, OK. The $30 million investment will accommodate the company’s growing business needs while creating as many as 300 full-time jobs when the plant opens, said the company in a news release.

GF Central Plastics describes itself as North America’s largest single-source manufacturer of metal and polyethylene pipe joining products in the gas and municipal water utility industry.

The new metals facility will sit on a 40-acre site purchased from Shawnee Forward, an economic development nonprofit. Upon completion, GF Central Plastics will relocate its gas meter fabrication department to the new location, freeing space at its established nearby plant for growth in its plastics manufacturing business. The new site will also house offices, a warehouse, and shipping and receiving services. 

Designed by Tap Architecture in consultation with Entegrity Partners, the project will seek LEED Silver certification for its sustainable design and construction, which is expected to continue through the spring of 2025.  

“Our decision to invest in Shawnee reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone in our GF Central Plastics division,” said James Jackson, head of the Americas business unit at GF Piping Systems, at the Nov. 14 groundbreaking. “Their strong performance has been a critical asset for our company, and we’re proud to give them added room to grow.”

In related news, GF Piping Systems’ parent company Georg Fischer AG (GF) acquired plastic pipe extruder Uponor, making it a global leader in sustainable water and flow technology, claims the company. The $2 billion deal between Switzerland-based GF and its Finland-based peer closed on Nov. 13.