McWane, Inc. is one of the world's largest manufacturers of iron water works and plumbing products and one of America's largest privately owned companies. At the McWane Family of Companies, we cast ductile iron products, including pipe, valves, hydrants, fittings, and plumbing products; manufacture fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems and steel pressure vessels; and build network switches and monitoring equipment. McWane conducts business throughout North America and the world. Our major plants by industry include four pipe facilities, four valve and hydrant facilities, seven soil pipe and utility fittings facilities, seven tank manufacturing facilities, one fire extinguisher facility and four technology companies. J. R. McWane founded the McWane Cast Iron Pipe Company in 1921 in Birmingham, Alabama, where it has maintained its headquarters since. McWane introduced innovations to foundry technology and processes. He also introduced progressive initiatives to improve working conditions.