Manufacturing facility for the flexible pipes started operations in Illinois

BRUGG Pipes, in partnership with Rovanco Piping Systems, has opened a new chapter in production: their first manufacturing facility for the flexible pipe system CALPEX PUR-KING has officially started operations in the Chicago metropolitan area. 

With the new site in Joliet, Illinois, the company us responding directly to the growing demand for energy-efficient piping solutions for district and local heating in the United States. This demand is driven by government funding programmes, ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, and a rising need for climate-friendly infrastructure. According to company, CALPEX PUR-KING offers a future-proof solution: the flexible, pre-insulated pipe system delivers outstanding insulation values, high energy efficiency, and easy handling – making it ideal for underground networks for heat and chilled water distribution.

The plant was built in record time. Only around fourteen months passed between the founding of the joint venture with Rovanco in April 2024 and the start of operations. A new production hall was constructed, a state-of-the-art manufacturing line was installed, and the first market-ready pipe system has already been produced and will be delivered shortly.

Around 80 percent of the raw materials used already come from within the United States. Establishing a functioning local supply chain was one of the biggest challenges during the project – and at the same time one of the most important prerequisites for long-term success. 

A total of around 20 million US dollars was invested in the development of the new plant. The project was led by Pirmin Dahinden, a young Swiss professional from within the BRUGG Group, supported by an experienced team from Switzerland as well as  Rovanco Piping Systems. The production setup was accompanied by long-standing employees from BRUGG′s main  plant in Kleindöttingen, Switzerland.