ADS Opens World’s Largest Stormwater Engineering Center, Driving Innovation and Sustainability
Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS), a leading provider of innovative water management solutions, has celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art $65 million Engineering and Technology Center in Hilliard, Ohio. This remarkable facility, spanning 110,000 square feet, stands as the largest stormwater engineering center globally, signifying a monumental step forward in ADS’s commitment to developing advanced solutions for managing water and protecting communities.
This world-class center will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, product development, and manufacturing technologies. It houses a range of specialized labs, including:
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Product Development Lab:
Focusing on the complete lifecycle of products, from design to manufacturing and beyond.*
90,000 Gallon, Closed-Loop Recyclable Water System:
This innovative system allows ADS to simulate real-world conditions, testing products under controlled scenarios that mimic actual stormwater events.*
Hydraulics Lab:
Dedicated to supporting ADS’s water treatment businesses, encompassing separation, traditional filtration, and low-impact development filtration techniques.*
Advanced Technology Lab:
Focusing on manufacturing, controls, and engineering prototyping to push the boundaries of innovation.*
Materials Science Laboratories:
Providing comprehensive performance-based materials testing capabilities, ensuring the highest quality and durability in ADS’s products.“The ADS Engineering and Technology Center is dedicated to product engineering, materials science –– including recycled plastics –– and manufacturing technologies with the express purpose of developing advanced stormwater solutions that manage water and protect our communities,” stated Scott Barbour, ADS President and CEO. “Bringing our team of engineers, scientists, and technicians together in this state-of-the-art facility allows new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in how we design and develop products, materials and manufacturing technologies to meet the stormwater management needs of customers and communities.”
This investment in research and development is not only driving innovation but also creating significant economic opportunities in Ohio. “ADS is a proven innovator that recycled 540 million pounds of plastic last year, roughly equivalent to recycling nearly 5 billion plastic bottles. This effort minimizes environmental impact and helps create sustainable infrastructure products,” highlighted Lt. Governor Husted. “The research at this new facility will advance technologies that preserve and enhance our natural resources and create 200 new jobs in Ohio.”
The ADS Engineering and Technology Center represents a significant milestone in ADS’s commitment to developing sustainable water management solutions. The company is tackling critical challenges related to the increasing frequency and intensity of storms, aiming to develop products that prevent floods, recharge aquifers, improve food security, mitigate water scarcity risks, and enhance overall quality of life.
As one of North America’s largest recycling companies, ADS continues to champion a circular economy by minimizing its environmental footprint and diverting millions of pounds of plastic from landfills. This dedication to sustainability, coupled with its robust support network of field engineering experts, solidifies ADS’s position as a leader in providing innovative, plastics-based solutions that meet the evolving needs of communities across North America.
“Advanced Drainage Systems is an industry leader and an Ohio institution for over 50 years,” remarked United States Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15). “We are excited to see this great investment in the Hilliard community, and we will continue our work in Congress to make manufacturing here at home an easy choice.”
