Viega LLC, a manufacturer of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing for plumbing systems, is moving its U.S. headquarters from Wichita, Kan., to a new facility under construction in Broomfield, Colo., that should be completed in late 2018.
An educational training facility also is being built at the site near Denver in addition to one already in place in Nashua, N.H. Classes will range from half-day seminars to five-day courses about piping with PEX.
The development represents an estimated $12 million investment in terms of the cost of the land and construction, according to meeting minutes of the Colorado Economic Development Commission. The new HQ will be about 55,000 square feet and the training center about 24,000 square feet.
Part of Viega Group, which was founded in 1899 and is based in Attendorn, Germany, Viega LLC has been experiencing growth from several sectors, CEO David Garlow said in an email.
With estimated sales of $110 million, Viega ranks 39th among North American pipe, profile and tubing extruders, according to Plastics News.
"Increased demand for PEX comes from several industry sectors' specification of radiant heating and cooling and PEX fire protection systems are part of the growth," Garlow said. "The use of PEX in potable water systems continues to be strong as well."
The Broomfield campus will house only offices and the training facility. Garlow said 54 employees have relocated to the area already from Kansas and the company has hired about 60 new employees. Another 50 jobs are expected to be created over the next year.
Garlow said North American manufacturing is still based in McPherson, Kan., where Viega also has expanded operations. The company began manufacturing fittings for iron and stainless steel pipe there last year but PEX products are made there, too.
The new corporate office will have a sweeping curved roof that Garlow said was "inspired by a cross section of a Viega fitting." The company's PureFlow PEX tubing also will be used for radiant heating and cooling as well as a snow melt system in the courtyard, he added.
Viega LLC employs almost 600 people in North America with a central manufacturing and distribution center in McPherson; distribution centers in Nevada, Georgia and Pennsylvania; and the training center in New Hampshire.
