McPherson, Kansas – Global plumbing company Viega has operated in McPherson for years and Tuesday, it opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution center.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is good sign these days and in McPherson, it’s a sign of new jobs and economic growth thanks to the German-based company Viega.
"It makes McPherson part of a global operation,” said Mayor Tom Brown. “As the economy picks up and the housing industry picks up, I think we'll see a lot of jobs."
Approximately 210 jobs keep the 439,000 square foot facility running. It’s the largest pex manufacturing facility in the nation.
The McPherson plant specializes in producing pex pipes; used in plumbing, heating and cooling systems, across North America.
The family-run company has been in business for 110 years. And it reassured those who attended the plant’s grand opening that the U.S. economy will recover.
"You have to be strategic in your thinking,” Brown said. “Things may not be that good today, but you have to be ready for tomorrow."
"I feel very fortunate,” said Viega worker Denise Butler. “The economy is pretty bad as everyone knows and I feel fortunate that we have a job and a nice building to work in and a good company to work for."
