Mueller Water Products Inc. plans to build a new, state-of-the-art foundry in Decatur, Ill. The facility will be one of the largest finished-goods brass foundries in the world. It will increase Mueller’s production capacity to meet current and future demands. Construction of the foundry, which is expected to employ up to 250, will begin in fall 2019. According to Mueller, the Decatur foundry is part of a multi-year project that will provide operational efficiencies that will directly benefit its customers, employees and the local community.

According to the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County, which made the announcement, the foundry will be the first of its kind to be built in the United States in generations.

Mueller manufactures and distributes products used in the transmission, distribution and measurement of water in North America. Its current Decatur foundry and manufacturing operation produces castings and parts for water valves and hydrants.