AMERICAN Flow Control, the valve and hydrant division of AFS Corporate Member AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company (Birmingham, Alabama), has announced the formation of AMERICAN Innovation LLC. According to a news release, the company is dedicated to research and development and intends to construct a facility, the AMERICAN Flow Control Center for Innovative Excellence, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, this summer.

The 30,000 sq. ft. facility will cost $9-12 million to build. Once completed, it will employ approximately eight research and development personnel. The facility will include the latest equipment and technologies for enhancing existing valve and hydrant products, as well as developing new infrastructure-related products.

“It will expand our research and design functions, allowing us to fast track innovations to get products to market more quickly,” said John Hagelskamp, division sales manager for AMERICAN Flow Control.