Pipeline Plastics, a Texas-based pipeline manufacturer, will expand its operations to Belle Fourche, South Dakota, with the construction of its second high-density polyethylene pipe plant, creating up to 40 full-time jobs.

Last year Pipeline Plastics started producing HDPE pipe at a manufacturing facility in Decatur, Texas, which recently more than doubled its capacity. The Belle Fourche plant, located north west of Rapid City, is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2013.

"We have an aggressive growth strategy to position our company as a major player in the HDPE pipe industry on a national level. We are bullish on the industry for both the energy and water sectors," said Monty Fisher, President and CEO of Pipeline Plastics, LLC. "New drilling technology has opened up the United States' oil and gas development, which has created unprecedented growth in that market for HDPE pipe. And, due to its superior performance with leak-proof joints and a lower lifetime cost over other materials, HDPE pipe is positioned to be the product of choice for water distribution."

The firm said the plant will service the growing energy market in the Bakken Shale Formation in North Dakota and eastern Montana, as well as energy markets in Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. It will also service additional markets in those areas, including mining, irrigation and municipal water distribution.

While the size of the investment or any incentive package offered the firm was not immediately available, Gov. Dennis Daugaard said; "Pipeline Plastics' decision to invest in South Dakota is a welcome addition to our growing advanced manufacturing industry, and it's something I'm very pleased to see. I would like to welcome Pipeline Plastics as South Dakota's newest corporate citizen and commend Belle Fourche officials for their persistence and dedication to economic development."

The Belle Fourche location was selected over many other sites in the region for its geographic advantages, including its rail access and proximity to Interstate 90, as well as the positive business environment in South Dakota, South Dakota economic development officials said.

"This expansion and the presence of such a forward-thinking company will have an enormous economic impact in Belle Fourche, and I am excited to see its benefits," said Belle Fourche Mayor Gary Hendrickson. "Along with the city council, I would like to warmly welcome Pipeline Plastics to Belle Fourche."

"Mayor Hendrickson and the city of Belle Fourche have been very helpful and persuasive throughout this entire process," said Keith Fisher, Vice President, Pipeline Plastics. "We are looking forward to experiencing the "can-do" attitude and South Dakota work ethic we have heard so much about."