McWane Plant & Industrial (MPI) has brought a new glass lining facility in Calera, Alabama, into full operation, with initial orders of glass-lined ductile iron pipe and fittings now shipping to water and wastewater treatment plants nationwide.

The facility, which opened in late July for final quality validation, brings the glass lining process in-house for the first time, allowing MPI to manage production quality and reduce customer lead times, according to the company.

Glass lining is a vitreous, inorganic coating fused to the interior of ductile iron pipe, fabricated pipe and fittings through a controlled firing process. The resulting smooth, nonporous surface is designed to resist chemical attack from acids, bases, salts and wastewater chemicals while limiting the buildup of grease, sludge, biological growth and mineral deposits.

MPI said the new facility will help reduce supply chain risks and provide a more dependable source of glass-lined piping systems. The investment is part of the company's broader efforts to expand its capabilities across pipe, fittings, valves and water control gates.

“This capability allows MPI to ensure exceptional quality, reduce lead times, lower supply chain risk and provide customers with a dependable source for glass-lined piping systems,” said Cory Humphreys, MPI pipe and fittings product manager.