Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS), a provider of water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, celebrated the opening of the $65-million ADS Engineering and Technology Center, located in Hilliard, Ohio, near the company’s headquarters.

“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,” says ADS President and CEO Scott Barbour. “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.”

ADS held a ribbon cutting ceremony with leadership and government officials.

The ADS Engineering and Technology Center will include:

• A product development lab focused on the full range of a product’s life cycle.
• A 90,000-gallon, closed-loop recyclable water system enabling ADS to replicate real-world conditions by sending water through products under scenarios the company can alter and control.
• A hydraulics lab that supports ADS’ water treatment businesses, including separation, traditional filtration and low-impact development filtration.
• An advanced technology lab for manufacturing, controls and engineering prototyping.
• Materials science laboratories providing extensive performance-based materials test capability.

According to ADS, the increase in frequency and intensity of storms further drives the need to develop products to help prevent floods, recharge aquifers, improve food security, mitigate the risk of water scarcity and ensure quality of life.