Viega North America officially cut the ribbon on its newest manufacturing, distribution hub and training facility in Mantua, Ohio last September, that executives say will redefine the company’s presence in the United States while serving as a model for sustainable industrial growth.
“This is about much more than just a factory,” said Marki Huston, CEO of Viega North America, during the open house celebrations, which attracted 150 local politicians, employees, AEC professionals instrumental to construction of the factory and trade media. “Today is about our reaffirmation and commitment long-term to North American production and the North American growth.”
Viega broke ground on the $179 million, 244,000-square-foot facility in November 2023. The factory started producing ProPress fittings shortly after opening last July. The plant, located 40 miles from Cleveland, will create 68 jobs in its first two years, with more expected as the facility ramps up.
“That is 68 families that we are impacting,” Huston said. “That is 68 opportunities and 68 reasons why this community means something to us. And it will only continue to grow over time beyond these walls.”
Partnerships with state and local economic development agencies, including Jobs Ohio, Team NEO and the Portage County Development Board, were critical in bringing the project to life.
During a tour of the factory, Emily Pajek, plant manager, said a second production line will soon be operating and a second shift was to be added a week later. Pajek added production of Viega’s MegaPress fittings will launch early in 2026.
Made in America
For Markus Brettschneider, CEO of the Viega Group, the moment reminded him of a bold move the company made years ago when it first acquired land in McPherson, Kansas, to manufacture press fittings.
“Eight years later, we had spent close to half a billion dollars, employing almost 600 people producing products in three shifts, seven days a week at the highest quality possible,” Brettschneider said. “That is actually what we believe we want to replicate here.”
He added that in the near future as much as 90% of press fittings sold in America will be made in America at these two factories.
“We believe in the growth in the United States of America,” Brettschneider said. “We believe we want to make our products in America.”
Mantua also represents Viega’s third U.S. training center in addition to classrooms located at the company’s North American headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado and Nashua, New Hampshire.
“Our most important investment is in the trades we serve,” Huston added. “This facility provides hands-on training, education and, ultimately, a connection to not only the quality of the people who install our products, but the quality of the people who build our products.”
At 11,000 square feet, the Ohio site has the largest training capacity than any other Viega learning center and features three classrooms, including two fully equipped hands-on workshops with seating for up to 118 participants. The building also features a catwalk above the manufacturing area, offering a birds-eye view for visitors to see the entire production process in action.
Local and global reach
The new facility was selected after an extensive site search across multiple states. From its earliest planning stages, the Mantua facility was conceived not just as a place to make products, but as a demonstration of sustainable industrial design.
The facility is fully electrified and operationally carbon neutral since Day One, and on track to achieve LEED Gold certification. That puts Viega among a select group since fewer than 30 industrial facilities in North America can claim operational carbon neutrality at launch.
“This building stands as a model of our advanced production and commitment to sustainability,” Huston explained. “The future of our environment and industry hinges on the commitment that we make today in sustainable manufacturing”.
For Viega, a 125-year-old company with more than 5,500 employees worldwide, the Mantua factory represents not just the continuation of its global growth strategy, but a personal milestone for Brettschneider.
During his remarks, Brettschneider shared a story that underscored his own connection to Ohio. Nearly two decades ago, his first U.S. assignment brought him to Columbus, where he and his family experienced the state’s hospitality firsthand.
“Very kind people with warm hearts, and they made my arrival a very pleasant experience,” he recalled. His daughter was born in Ohio and, he added, remains a die-hard Buckeyes fan.
That personal connection mirrors the company’s philosophy of long-term, people-first investment.
“Our employees are the most important,” Brettschneider added. “Today, we have more than 60 new colleagues, new team members here in Ohio. And I’m extremely thankful for everybody who dared to join us, this family-owned company from Germany who believes strongly in quality and who believes strongly in the growth in the United States of America.”
Strategically, Huston said, the Mantua plant strengthens Viega’s ability to serve its 1,500-plus North American customers with greater agility and efficiency. For the trades, that means not only shorter lead times, but stronger domestic supply.
“Contractors trust us with their most important projects,” Huston said. “And this facility is a way of us saying we are invested not just for today, but for generations to come.”
Brettschneider added: “We are out here to win. We are excited about the position we have, and now it’s time to continue the growth journey.”
Art Installation
The first thing visitors to the new facility see when walking into the lobby is an interesting piece of art created by visual artist Michael Murphy, who grew up near the Mantua factory and whose father was a master plumber.
“I’ve been preparing my entire life for this piece,” Murphy said after unveiling his sculpture at the grand opening event. “I grew up on construction sites playing with plumbing fittings.”
Viega LLCTo pay for his career in the arts, Murphy worked in construction himself.
“I always wanted make a piece with fittings,” he added, “and this felt like the perfect fit.”
Murphy’s 3D sculpture is made entirely of copper pipe and copper Viega fittings. Look at the artwork dead on, and the name “VIEGA” appears inside the image of the United States. From the right-side of the sculpture the state of Ohio appears. Look at it closely, and viewers can see the names of Viega staff and construction professionals who were influential in creating the Mantua factory.
