INDUSTRY INSIDER | November 7, 2024

Advanced Drainage Systems Hosts Grand Opening Ceremony for Engineering and Technology Center

Original Source:FocusOn Land Improvement Contractors

HILLIARD, Ohio, Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, celebrated the opening of the $65 million ADS Engineering and Technology Center. The 110,000-square-foot research and testing facility is the largest stormwater engineering center in the world and is located in Hilliard, Ohio, near the company’s headquarters.

The ribbon cutting of the ADS Engineering and Technology Center photographed Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at their Hilliard, Ohio location. (Photo Credit: James D. DeCamp)
The ribbon cutting of the ADS Engineering and Technology Center photographed Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at their Hilliard, Ohio location. (Photo Credit: James D. DeCamp)

“The ADS Engineering and Technology Center is dedicated to product engineering, materials science ­­–– including recycled plastics –– and manufacturing technologies with the express purpose of developing advanced stormwater solutions that manage water and protect our communities,” said ADS President and CEO Scott Barbour. “Bringing our team of engineers, scientists, and technicians together in this state-of-the-art facility allows new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in how we design and develop products, materials and manufacturing technologies to meet the stormwater management needs of customers and communities.”

The ADS Engineering and Technology Center will include:

  • A product development lab focused on the full range of a product’s lifecycle.

  • A 90,000 gallon, closed-loop recyclable water system allowing ADS to replicate real-world conditions by sending water through products under scenarios that the company can alter and control.

  • A hydraulics lab that supports ADS’ water treatment businesses including separation, traditional filtration and low-impact development filtration.

  • An advanced technology lab for manufacturing, controls and engineering prototyping.

  • Materials science laboratories providing extensive performance-based materials test capability.

“ADS is a proven innovator that recycled 540 million pounds of plastic last year, roughly equivalent to recycling nearly 5 billion plastic bottles. This effort minimizes environmental impact and helps create sustainable infrastructure products,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “The research at this new facility will advance technologies that preserve and enhance our natural resources and create 200 new jobs in Ohio.”

As an industry leader, ADS is committed to protecting and managing water, the world’s most precious resource, by providing sustainable water management solutions that safeguard the environment and build resilient communities. The increase in frequency and intensity of storms further drives the need to develop products to help prevent floods, recharge aquifers, improve food security, mitigate the risk of water scarcity and ensure quality of life.

The investment in the ADS Engineering and Technology Center enables these new innovations, and as one of the largest recycling companies in North America, the company provides environmentally sustainable solutions that create a circular economy and reduce the carbon footprint of water infrastructure. And with the largest support network in the industry, ADS field engineering experts increase the use of innovative, plastics-based products designed to meet communities’ needs for stormwater management and onsite septic installation across North America.