MCEDP

In 2023, the Missouri-based plastic pipe manufacturer chose Aberdeen for its second location. The veteran- and family-owned business makes high-density polyethylene pipe for the telecommunications, power utility, electrical, oil and gas industries — starting from plastic pellets.

“That plant’s full in Missouri, so we built one out here,” said owner Brandon McIntosh. “And it will be a long while before we can fill this one up. But we have a major east coast presence here. We ship all over the east coast already out of this location.”

Two years ago, the town was awarded $125,000 through the Rural Building Reuse Program from the state Department of Commerce to cover partial costs related to renovating the company’s new location. Located along Aberdeen’s industrial corridor, the 60,000-square-foot structure sat vacant for seven years prior to their interest.

With the grant term set to expire in February, McIntosh asked for an extension to meet a requirement regarding filling 26 full-time positions to support Bulldog Pipe’s $2.7 million building renovation.

Aberdeen’s Board of Commissioners agreed to submit a formal extension request to the state Rural Economic Development Division.

“(Staff and the Moore County Economic Development Partnership) are confident that the applicant can meet that 26 job creation number by the end of the year,” Downtown Planner Lindy Lamielle said.

The MCEDP assisted Aberdeen and Bulldog Pipe with preparing the Building Reuse grant application and has continued to stay involved with the project through the grant’s term.

“The building on Taylor Street sat vacant for seven years, so we’re excited that Bulldog Pipe will not only bring new jobs and significant capital investment to the area, but they will also put an idle building back to productive use,” MCEDP President Natalie Hawkins previously said.