Northwest Pipe has received permission from the Sonoran State and Mexican Federal authorities to re-open its the manufacturing facility in San Luis Rio Colorado (SLRC), Mexico.
On May 30, SLRC was authorized to operate at 30pc capacity providing the company continues to implement recommended COVID-19 safety protocols. Moving into June, the steel pipe maker is expected to increase production in phases and return to full production in the next two months.
The facilities resumption received support in both the US and Mexico because of the essential nature of water infrastructure products made at SLRC. The facility suspended operations in Mexico in early April and was initially advised closure would remain through April 30, 2020.
Northwest Pipe plants in the US continued to operate without interruption as they were deemed essential.
For Q1 2020, Northwest Pipe reported a gross profit of $9.6mn while its net sales increased by 10pc to $68.9mn compared to the same quarter in 2019. On January 2020, the company completed a $49mn acquisition of Geneva, a concrete pipe and precast concrete products manufacturer based in Utah. Entering Q2, the company had $224mn in confirmed orders for 2020.
Northwest Pipe Company is the largest manufacturer of engineered steel water pipeline systems in North America. Founded in 1966, it has plants in Oregon, California, West Virginia, Missouri, Texas, Utah, and in Mexico.