In collaboration with BRUGG Pipes, Rovanco Piping Systems has opened the first production plant for the flexible pipe system RHINOFLEX® in the USA. This marks the official US production of RHINOFLEX® at Rovanco’s manufacturing campus in the Chicago metropolitan region - a key milestone in Rovanco’s growth strategy.
In April 2024, Rovanco and BRUGG Pipes announced the joint venture. Within just over fourteen months, a new 54,000 square foot production facility was built at the Rovanco site in Joliet, IL USA, the production line was installed and the first pre-insulated flexible pipe ready for sale was produced around a month ago. Delivery of the first pipe coils is scheduled for July 2025.
The new plant has the capability producing between 3,000 and 5,000 feet of the energy- efficient RHINOFLEX® pipe every day. The flexible, pre-insulated pipe system is ideal for local and district heating applications as well as for hot and cold potable water pipes. Thanks to a high-performance polyurethane foam, RHINOFLEX® achieves excellent insulation values and high energy efficiency - optimized for modern, climate-friendly infrastructures.
The first pipe ready for sale was produced one month ago.
Investment of 20 million US dollars
A total of around 20 million US dollars was invested in the new plant - a construction project that was completed in record time. Currently, around 80% of the raw materials used are sourced from the USA. Chad Godeaux, President of Rovanco Piping Systems, is excited with the start of production in the states: "This new production facility located right here in the Midwest of the United States of America will allow us to drastically reduce delivery times, save on import taxes and save a great deal on international shipping costs. We will now have an even greater competitive advantage in the marketplace for 6” and smaller pre-insulated pipe. I would like to thank everyone involved at Rovanco and BRUGG Pipes for the perfect execution of the construction and both parties’ unconditional commitment to this joint venture."
Flexible pre-insulated piping has taken over the market for 5 1/2" and smaller pre-insulated pipe because it is a high-quality product and it has the lowest installed cost of any pre-insulated pipe. There are more than 5,000 miles of flexible pre-insulated pipe with PEX or PE carrier pipe installed in the U.S. and more than 50,000 miles installed worldwide over a 30 year period!
RHINOFLEX® pre-insulated PEX and Polyethylene comes in the longest lengths available from any supplier of flexible pre-insulated piping. The long lengths of flexible pre-insulated RHINOFLEX® result in few or no underground joints and up to 60% less labor resulting in an installed cost savings of 25 to 40%!
Single Carrier Pipe
Available from 3/4" thru 5 1/2" with PEX-A Carrier Pipe and 1 1/2" thru 4" with HDPE Pipe.
Dual Carrier Pipe
Available from 1" thru 2 1/2" with PEX-A Carrier Pipe.
Since RHINOFLEX® is available in lengths of up to 2,500 feet, with no field joints, there is no need to over excavate or put workmen into the trench to join, insulate, and seal pipe joints. With fewer or no underground joints can save up to 60% in labor costs, resulting in an installed cost savings of 25 to 40%!