Hilliard, Ohio – Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS), one of the largest providers of water management products and drainage solutions, recently unveiled its new $65 million stormwater technology center. This state-of-the-art facility is a significant investment in the future of stormwater management, positioning ADS as a leader in sustainable infrastructure solutions for communities, agriculture, and environmental preservation. Located in Hilliard, Ohio, this new center aims to bring cutting-edge research, development, and testing capabilities to address some of the most pressing challenges in water management today.

Purpose and Vision

The primary purpose of the new stormwater technology center is to create more effective, sustainable, and resilient water management solutions. Stormwater management is a critical aspect of infrastructure development, impacting urban planning, agriculture, and environmental health. By providing a controlled environment for testing and development, ADS aims to further its mission to protect water as a valuable resource and mitigate the damaging effects of excess stormwater in various settings, from urban cities to farmlands.

ADS’s commitment to innovation, as well as its environmental responsibilities, is underscored by this major investment. The center focuses on creating solutions that are both effective in controlling water runoff and eco-friendly, with an emphasis on using recycled materials and reducing the carbon footprint of products.

Features of the Stormwater Technology Center

The 110,000-square-foot facility is equipped with advanced laboratories, testing grounds, and collaborative spaces. Here are some of the key features and capabilities that make the ADS technology center a pioneer in stormwater management:

1. Research and Development Labs: These labs enable ADS to design and test new water management products and technologies. Researchers can simulate various conditions to assess how different products and designs perform under extreme weather, heavy rainfall, and other challenging conditions.
2. Advanced Testing Areas: The center includes specialized testing grounds where products are tested for durability, flow capacity, and environmental impact. This rigorous testing ensures that each product can perform reliably in real-world applications, whether in residential neighborhoods, large cities, or agricultural areas.
3. Collaborative Workspaces: The center fosters a collaborative environment where engineers, designers, and environmental experts can work together to solve complex water management challenges. By integrating multiple disciplines, ADS can create more holistic and impactful solutions.
4. Educational Programs and Training: Part of ADS’s vision includes educating professionals on sustainable water management practices. The facility will host workshops, training sessions, and certification programs aimed at engineers, environmental planners, and contractors.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

A key aspect of ADS’s approach to stormwater management is environmental responsibility. In recent years, the company has prioritized using recycled materials in its products. For example, ADS manufactures pipes made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using a significant proportion of recycled plastics. This not only reduces waste but also aligns with the company’s goals to minimize its environmental footprint.

The new center supports ADS’s ongoing commitment to sustainability by further enhancing its recycling capabilities. It also allows the company to expand its efforts in developing stormwater solutions that help reduce pollution, mitigate flooding, and control erosion in ways that have less impact on the environment.

Meeting Infrastructure and Environmental Needs

With increasing urbanization and changing weather patterns, the need for resilient infrastructure to manage stormwater has never been greater. ADS’s new stormwater technology center is a timely response to these challenges, providing the tools, resources, and expertise needed to address them. The facility’s innovations are expected to influence stormwater management practices across a variety of sectors, from urban development to agricultural land use.

The center aligns with broader infrastructure initiatives that aim to upgrade water management systems, prevent flooding, and enhance resilience against natural disasters. By investing in this new facility, ADS is helping communities to better handle the pressures of climate change and urban growth.

A Vision for the Future

The stormwater technology center is part of ADS’s long-term vision for growth and innovation. With this new facility, ADS aims to pioneer advancements in sustainable water management solutions that are reliable, eco-friendly, and adaptable to different environments. As a leading provider in the stormwater industry, ADS is committed to making a positive impact on communities and the environment, addressing challenges that are both local and global.