Watts Water Technologies cuts the ribbon on NH foundry

Watts Water Technologies “cut the ribbon” on a multimillion-dollar, 30,000 sq. ft. foundry on June 21, 2013. The facility is an expansion to the Franklin, NH location of one of Watts Water Technologies’ operating subsidiaries. Guests at the event included New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan and Timothy Horne, who led the company from 1978 to 2002. Horne, who is credited with taking Watts into the international forum, received a standing ovation from foundry employees, management and invited guests. He related some of the challenges and triumphs of the facility from its start in 1955. The new foundry, which will produce Lead Free products exclusively, allows the company to proactively meet the requirements of the “Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act.” Effective in the U.S. in January 2014, the law establishes new limits on the lead content in every pipe, fixture, and fitting used to convey water for human consumption. “This is a great day for our company and its employees, our industry, and the Franklin community,” said Watts Water Technologies CEO and president David Coghlan, who noted that the new foundry will produce Lead Free versions of products already produced in Franklin, and additional products, as well. The Franklin, NH facility, which opened in 1959, has undergone 16 expansions since that time and has more than tripled in square footage. From about 30 employees in 1959, the Franklin workforce has since grown to more than 500 employees. The Franklin plant manufactures and distributes products that go to U.S. retailers, OEMs, and wholesale distributors. It is currently the company’s largest manufacturing facility in North America.