Rupert holds groundbreaking ceremony for new factory

RUPERT, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — After two years of negotiations and work, a new factory for Pipeline Plastics will be coming to Rupert.

A groundbreaking occurred Friday morning amid heavy winds and cold temperatures. It featured Mayor Tammy Jones, members of Gary Jones Construction, and Pipeline Plastics' leaders.

Pipeline Plastics CEO Mike Leathers said the company makes plastic pipes used in construction and farming all over the United States. It has factories in Texas, North Carolina, and South Dakota, and now Idaho will be the place for its fifth factory.

He added that the location is perfect: there’s a strong agriculture community, and it’s connected to major highways, which can help with transportation.

“This gives us the ability to reach up into Western Canada all the way down into California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona from here. As well as serve Idaho and Montana and Wyoming and the surrounding areas,” Leathers said.

Leathers said 50 employees will be based on site, and vendors, maintenance, and construction crews will also have opportunities.

“It doesn’t matter how well you build the steel and the concrete buildings and equipment. It takes the people. And we really have seen the people here just have a real good work ethic and real dedication to this,” Leathers said.

Jason Jones explained how they negotiated to bring the company to Rupert.

“First learned about Pipeline Plastic about two years ago and we’ve been working with them, developing plans, and it’s been quite a long process but we’re excited,” Jason Jones said.

Gary Jones Construction will build the factory along with a few other local companies. Jason Jones said the construction would benefit the local economy, as supplies would need to be purchased and workers would need to be hired. Jason Jones hopes Pipeline Plastics will be a great partner for them whenever they do construction projects.

Mayor Tammy Jones said the new factory will help the city grow and provide more opportunities for the citizens.

“We want to keep people in Rupert and you know, even for our kids and grandkids, if there’s great job opportunities here they can stay in the community and not have to leave, and that’s our hope,” Mayor Tammy Jones said.

The factory is expected to open by fall of 2025.

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