History

1908

J. R. McWane Becomes General Manager of a Cast Iron Company

In 1908, J. R. McWane became General Manager of cast iron company and by 1915 had risen to President, all while establishing innovations in the industry along with worker welfare initiatives. He not only grew the business, but he was also known as a leader in employee relations.

1921

Introducing McWane Cast Iron Pipe Company

In 1921, J. R. McWane left and began another new venture, the McWane Cast Iron Pipe Company. As America grew, so did the need to supply flourishing cities with clean water and to remove waste safely. As a result, McWane was able to grow his business. In 1926, he expanded operations from Birmingham to include a second facility in Provo, Utah, called the Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Company.

1933

William (Bill) McWane Becomes Company President

After the death of J. R. McWane in 1933, his son William (Bill) McWane became president. He remained focused on maintaining the two foundries through the good and bad times of the 1930s and World War II. In 1962, McWane expanded by acquiring Empire Coke Company, a manufacturer of foundry coke and by-products for foundries and other industrial operations.

1971

James (Jim) Ransom McWane Named Company President

In 1971, William McWane’s son James (Jim) Ransom McWane, became president of McWane Cast Iron Pipe Company. In 1975, he served as chairman and chief executive officer for McWane, Inc.

1975

McWane Purchases Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe Company

In 1975, McWane purchased Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe Company of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, preserving American jobs in the process. The company next diversified by acquiring the Union Foundry Company, an Anniston, Alabama, waterworks fittings business.

1980

McWane Family Expands with 4 Additional Companies

During the 1980s, McWane expanded its arsenal of water works companies with the addition of M&H Valve Company, Clow Water Systems and Clow Valve Company. Additionally, Kennedy Valve Company of Elmira, New York, was acquired in 1988. 

1989

McWane's Reach Stretches into Canada

McWane entered the Canadian market in 1989 with the acquisition of Canada Pipe Company in Hamilton, Ontario. Following its entry into Canada, McWane further expanded its manufacturing by establishing Clow Canada in 1990, consolidating manufacturing operations in St. John, New Brunswick.

1995

Continued Growth Marks the 1990s

In 1995, McWane acquired Tyler Pipe & Coupling. The company also purchased Anaco, a couplings operation. During the late 1990s, McWane acquired the Bibby Companies through Canada Pipe, Tennessee-based Manchester Tank & Equipment Company and Amerex Corporation of Trussville, Alabama. 

2008

Announcing McWane Poles

In 2008, McWane Poles developed a new line of ductile iron utility poles for the electric utility industry.

2015

Ductile Pipe Unification & Continued Expansion

In 2015, the McWane ductile iron pipe companies (Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Company, Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe Company and Clow Water Systems) unified under the brand McWane Ductile. The plants are now referred to as McWane Ductile – New Jersey, McWane Ductile – Ohio and McWane Ductile – Utah.

2021

McWane Plant and Industrial Offers Customized Solutions

Waterman, Clear Water Manufacturing and Alabama Dynamics joined McWane Plant and Industrial (MPI), providing superior customer-focused resources.

2024

McWane Acquires Ditech Testing

McWane expands its presence in the pressurized vessel industry with the acquisition of Ditech Testing, a Canadian-based tank refurbishment and tank recertification business. Joining the forces of tank manufacturer Manchester Tank & Equipment Co. – a McWane, Inc. company – the expanded footprint completes the product lifecycle.