Advanced Drainage Systems Hosts Groundbreaking for $30 Million World-Class Recycling Facility Expansion in Cordele, Georgia

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Advanced Drainage Systems (NYSE: WMS) announced a groundbreaking $30 million expansion of its recycling facility in Cordele, Georgia. The expansion will increase the facility's total size to 117,000 square feet and create up to 50 new jobs.

The enhanced facility will feature advanced plastic handling and processing capabilities, an onsite laboratory for streamlined testing, and will supply high-quality recycled plastic material to nearby ADS manufacturing sites. As one of North America's largest plastic recycling companies, ADS converts post-industrial and post-consumer recycled plastics into durable products like pipe and chambers.

The development was supported by the Cordele-Crisp County Industrial Development Council, Crisp County Commissioners, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, with the Crisp County Power Commission providing transformer installation support.

Positive

• $30 million investment in facility expansion
• Creation of up to 50 new jobs
• Increased operational capacity with 117,000 square feet facility
• Enhanced manufacturing capabilities with onsite laboratory
• Strategic location optimization for Southeast distribution

Negative

• None.

Insights

Industrial Manufacturing & Sustainability Analyst

The $30 million investment in ADS's Cordele recycling facility expansion represents a strategically significant move that strengthens the company's competitive position in multiple ways:

The expanded 117,000 square foot facility, equipped with advanced processing capabilities and an onsite laboratory, will drive operational efficiencies through:

• Reduced transportation costs by optimizing proximity to seven Southeast manufacturing sites
• Enhanced quality control through onsite testing capabilities
• Improved margins via increased vertical integration in recycled materials processing

This expansion particularly resonates with the growing ESG-focused investor base, as it reinforces ADS's position as one of North America's largest plastic recyclers. The investment signals strong commitment to sustainable practices while simultaneously driving operational efficiency - a rare combination that typically commands premium valuations in the industrial sector.

The strategic location choice in Cordele, Georgia, leverages existing infrastructure and workforce expertise, while the addition of 50 new jobs helps secure continued local government support and incentives, as evidenced by the Crisp County Power Commission's involvement in the project. This expansion positions ADS to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable water management solutions while maintaining cost leadership through vertical integration.

HILLIARD, Ohio, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE: WMS) ("ADS" or the "Company"), a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, announced the groundbreaking of a significant expansion to its recycling facility in Cordele, Georgia. This investment will enhance ADS' ability to provide high quality recycled material to our factories in the Southeast. The expansion will increase the facility's total size to 117,000 square feet.

"ADS is thrilled to make this significant investment in Cordele. This state-of-the-art facility will leverage exceptional talent and cutting-edge material capabilities to enhance our recycled plastic production, enabling us to lead the industry and set new standards for innovation and sustainability," said ADS President and CEO Scott Barbour. "Cordele is part of a thriving economic region, in an ideal location for us to efficiently manufacture and transport recycled materials to our Southeastern pipe plant network."

This ADS investment will bring:

• 117,000 total square feet of advanced plastic handling and processing capabilities
• Streamlined testing with an onsite laboratory
• Provide high-quality recycled plastic material to nearby ADS manufacturing sites
• As many as 50 new jobs

ADS is one of the largest plastic recycling companies in North America, sourcing both post-industrial and post-consumer recycled plastics to manufacture its stormwater and onsite septic wastewater products. The company's industry-leading material blending programs allow ADS to convert recycled plastic into durable products such as pipe and chambers.

"For over 20 years, the dedicated ADS Recycling employees in Cordele have made this location one of the top ADS performers in the nation, and we're thrilled to bring innovative investments to this site and new career opportunities to the local community," said Kristen Rinehart, Vice President and General Manager of Recycling for ADS. "As one of the largest plastic recycling companies in North America, expanding our operations in Cordele will allow us to deliver recycled material to our seven manufacturing sites throughout the southeast region, while expanding ADS' overall use of recycled plastic in our pipe products and advanced stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions."

The development of the ADS Recycling facility was made possible through the support and partnership of the Cordele-Crisp County Industrial Development Council, Crisp County Commissioners, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The Crisp County Power Commission is purchasing and installing transformers to support production capabilities for this facility.

About the Company
Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of innovative stormwater and on-site septic wastewater solutions that manages the world's most precious resource: water. ADS and its subsidiary, Infiltrator Water Technologies, provide superior stormwater drainage and on-site septic wastewater products used in a wide variety of markets and applications including commercial, residential, infrastructure and agriculture, while delivering unparalleled customer service. ADS manages the industry's largest company-owned fleet, an expansive sales team, and a vast manufacturing network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers. The Company is one of the largest plastic recycling companies in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year. Founded in 1966, ADS' water management solutions are designed to last for decades. To learn more, visit the Company's website at www.adspipe.com.

Media Contact:
Heather Schreiber
Director of Marketing
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
Heather.Schreiber@adspipe.com
Phone: 614-216-3757

Investor Relations:
Michael Higgins
VP, Corporate Strategy & Investor Relations
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
Michael.Higgins@adspipe.com 
Phone: 614-658-0050

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SOURCE Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

FAQ

How much is ADS (WMS) investing in its Cordele, Georgia recycling facility expansion?

Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) is investing $30 million in the expansion of its Cordele, Georgia recycling facility.

How many new jobs will the WMS Cordele facility expansion create?

The ADS (WMS) Cordele facility expansion is expected to create up to 50 new jobs.

What will be the total size of the expanded WMS Cordele recycling facility?

The expanded facility will have a total size of 117,000 square feet.

What new capabilities will the expanded WMS Cordele facility include?

The facility will include advanced plastic handling and processing capabilities, an onsite laboratory for testing, and will provide recycled plastic material to nearby ADS manufacturing sites.

Which organizations are supporting the WMS Cordele facility expansion?

The expansion is supported by the Cordele-Crisp County Industrial Development Council, Crisp County Commissioners, Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Crisp County Power Commission.