PPI America to Invest $52.2 Million in New Cedar City Manufacturing Plant

PPI America Inc., a subsidiary of South Korea's PPI Pipe Co. Ltd., has announced plans to invest $52.2 million in a new manufacturing facility in Cedar City, Utah.

 

This significant investment is expected to create 50 high-paying jobs over the next five years, bolstering the local economy and enhancing the region's industrial landscape.

 

Established in 1976, PPI Pipe Co. Ltd. specializes in producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and fittings for water and plumbing systems.

 

PPI America, founded in 2013, has been importing the company's innovative iPVC-brand water pipes into the United States, with installations spanning various regions nationwide.

 

The decision to establish manufacturing operations in Cedar City marks a strategic shift to produce iPVC products domestically, aiming to supply clean, safe water to more U.S. communities.

 

Agnes HyeJung Lee, President of PPI America Inc., highlighted the factors influencing this expansion: "During our evaluation of expanding our presence in the U.S., when looking at Utah and Cedar City specifically, we were extremely impressed with the rapid development of Iron County and its logistical advantages."

 

Earlier this year, PPI's iPVC pipes and fittings became the first in the U.S. to receive NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification as being free of PFAS compounds, ensuring the provision of safe drinking water.

 

The company successfully passed NSF's in-house testing for seven different PFAS compounds, including six regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

 

In support of this expansion, the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) awarded PPI America a tax reduction under the state's Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (REDTIF) program.

 

Jefferson Moss, GOEO's Executive Director, emphasized the importance of this development: "Clean, reliable water is vital to Utah's future. PPI America Inc. delivers safe drinking water while driving innovation, strengthening communities, and helping Utah attract new businesses."

 

The new facility will be situated on a 57-acre site, encompassing 269,000 square feet of industrial space.

 

Meeja McAllister of NAI Excel, who represented PPI America in the property acquisition, expressed enthusiasm about the project's impact: "It's exciting to see this level of investment and growth in our community. I believe the positive impact of this company will be felt for years to come."

 

This development aligns with Cedar City's ongoing efforts to attract international businesses and strengthen its economic ties.

 

David Johnson, Economic Development Director for Cedar City and Iron County, welcomed the investment: "Cedar City has long held strong global ties with South Korea, and we are thrilled to welcome PPI America Inc. to our community. Its decision to invest in Cedar City with a new production facility not only strengthens Utah's economy but also reinforces our reputation as a place where international companies thrive."

 

As PPI America embarks on this expansion, the Cedar City community anticipates the economic and infrastructural benefits that will accompany the establishment of the new manufacturing plant.