AZZ incorporated, a global provider of galvanizing services, welding solutions, specialty electrical equipment and highly engineered services, started construction on a new hot-dip galvanizing plant in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center near Reno, Nevada.

Hot dip galvanizing is the environmentally conscientious process of protecting steel from decay by alloying zinc on the surface of the steel resulting in a maintenance-free corrosion protection system that lasts for generations, company officials said. Galvanized steel is found in housing, schools, bridges, guard rails, power transmission poles, highway signs, light poles, stadiums and numerous other applications.

The new 25 acre plant, located east of Sparks, Nevada, will be open for business by January of 2016. The new Reno plant will be an environmentally friendly, state of the art, 50,000-square foot facility with a 30'-6"L x 7'-3"W x 10'D kettle. Upon completion of the new Reno facility, AZZ Galvanizing Services will operate a network of 43 hot-dip galvanizing plants in the United States and Canada.

According to company officials, AZZ Galvanizing – Reno will employ 25 to 30 people, expanding as demand for high quality hot-dip galvanizing services grows. Initial hires will include production, maintenance and administrative personnel. Local employment is anticipated to grow to 60 plus people over the course of two to three years.

Tim Pendley, COO of Galvanizing Services of AZZ incorporated, said, "We chose Reno because of all of the positive economic development in the area. It provides the opportunity to develop this new and untapped market. We've been planning the expansion into the Reno area for several years, waiting for the opportune time to invest in the future of this growing community. Upon completion of the Reno facility we will have 43 galvanizing facilities in our network allowing us to provide superior customer service with customized turnaround times that are unmatched in the industry. We are very excited to be a part of Nevada's future."

Tom Ferguson, President/CEO of AZZ incorporated, added, "The addition of Reno to our geographic coverage map, positions us to effectively drive new corrosion protection business in a very important region. This is an underserved market that features manufacturing and agricultural customers that will benefit from the broad portfolio of metal protection services that AZZ provides. This is a great opportunity and we expect to develop that opportunity to the maximum extent possible."