News Business Contractor at Work
Pipe producer AccuPipe returns to Manitoba

AccuPipe Inc., a division of the PLS group of companies, have re-entered the pipe manufacturing industry with the purchase of Prinsco’s Winkler, MB operation. AccuPipe will continue manufacturing HDPE tubing, or drain tile, for the agricultural, commercial, and construction communities.

“This investment will provide vertical integration with our existing Precision Land Solutions (PLS) company, allowing for a consistent supply of drainage pipe to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said Chris Unrau, president and CEO of PLS in a released statement. “Ultimately, this allows us to serve our clients better, while providing an additional service to the local market”.

If the AccuPipe name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. In 2012, AccuPipe was founded in Winkler, MB in response to a growing interest in tile drainage and the difficultly of obtaining a supply of pipe. However, a year later Prinsco Inc., a pipe manufacturer based in Willmar, MN, purchased AccuPipe in December 2013. Now, seven years later AccuPipe has resumed ownership over its original operation.

Garnet Peters, who originally spearheaded the AccuPipe startup and is still with the PLS Group commented, “It’s really business as usual for us. The staff is staying on and we’re committed to producing the same quality product at cost effective price points right here in Manitoba.”

Jamie Duininck, co-president of Prinsco, also added, “Prinsco is confident that our employees and customers in Canada will be well taken care of. Chris Unrau and his team at AccuPipe have extensive experience in water management, and will continue our vision by providing the highest quality water management product throughout the Canadian Prairies. In addition, Prinsco is excited to partner with AccuPipe as a supplier, giving AccuPipe access to our full line of water management products.”

The new identity and ownership of AccuPipe is an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and build stronger communities, according to the company’s release.

The Winkler operation returning to local ownership and continuing to provide product locally will allow for benefits such as re-investing in the economic growth of southern Manitoba and a more seamless experience for clients of PLS.

In 2013, when Prinsco acquired AccuPipe and established Prinsco Canada, the American company also announced plans to build a second plant in Taber, AB that was expected to be up and running in 2014. Currently, the Taber plant remains permanently closed.

Prinsco operates locations across the United States in Arizona, California, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin. As of today’s news, it no longer retains ownership over its last Canadian location.

The Winkler operation under AccuPipe is now 100 percent Canadian owned and operated.