DALLAS , March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanson Pipe & Precast today announced the opening of their new, state-of-the-art, fully automated Houston facility. Some of the technology at the 100,000-square-foot Houston facility will be used for the very first time in the world. The facility is designed to produce considerable amounts of concrete pipe products, including those used for storm water drainage systems, sewers and water treatment, for the growing Houston market. The facility will be fully operational in March and a grand opening gala is planned to benefit the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Houston is one of Hanson's largest markets in North America . Due to the city's flat topography, proximity to the Gulf and the fact that it's only about 40 feet above sea level, Houston is prone to hurricanes and this fuels demand for Hanson's water control products.

Hanson Pipe & Precast is a division of Hanson PLC, a world leader in providing heavy building materials to the construction industry. Hanson Pipe& Precast is North America's largest manufacturer of concrete pipe and precast products, including residential and commercial building components, bridges, manholes and retaining walls; as well as being a premier producer of steel and pressurized pipe.

"With the ability to produce, on average, one pipe per minute, the technology in this facility greatly increases our production efficiency while maintaining an environmentally friendly and safe workplace and providing the highest quality concrete pipe," said Clifford Hahne , Hanson's South Central region president. "We are proud to produce the infrastructure of much of the Houston area's systems that keep the community safe and water clean."

A grand opening celebration on March 22 with Houston area community leaders and Hanson customers will mark the official opening of the new facility. Attendees will take part in a tour of the new facility and an evening of festivities.