$150 Million investment by Welspun Tubular boosts US energy infrastructure
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Welspun Tubular, a subsidiary of India-based Welspun Corp Ltd, is investing $150 million into its manufacturing operations in Little Rock, Arkansas. The expansion reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the U.S. market and is set to create 300 new jobs, significantly enhancing the region’s role in the nation’s energy infrastructure.
The investment will add a new Longitudinally Submerged Arc Welded (LSAW) line-pipe mill and an advanced coating facility to the company’s existing complex. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
Manufacturing capacity expands in Arkansas
Once completed, the expanded facility will become the only mill in the United States capable of manufacturing line pipes ranging in diameter from 6 to 56 inches. This broad capacity range enables Welspun to meet a wider array of project specifications across oil and gas, hydrogen transport, carbon capture pipelines, and LNG export infrastructure.
The LSAW mill will complement the company’s existing High Frequency Induction Welded (HFIW) pipe operations, allowing it to offer both seamless and welded steel pipes under one roof. It also enhances its logistical capabilities by leveraging Arkansas’s central location and multimodal transport access.
According to company executives, the coating facility will be equipped to handle both internal and external anti-corrosion coatings, supporting clients with faster delivery and tailored finishes. These upgrades will position the facility to compete not only nationally but also for projects tied to U.S. federal infrastructure funding, where domestic sourcing has become increasingly emphasized.
Building on past investment momentum
This $150 million expansion follows a separate $100 million investment announced in 2024 that expanded HFIW capacity and created 175 new jobs in the region. Combined, the two initiatives bring Welspun’s total investment in Arkansas to more than $400 million since the facility opened in 2007.
The company’s long-standing presence in the state has been pivotal in establishing Little Rock as a manufacturing hub. Local and state officials, including Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, have highlighted Welspun’s commitment as an example of successful industrial partnerships that benefit both the economy and workforce.
Backed by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the latest expansion is supported through job creation incentives and infrastructure assistance. These efforts aim to keep Arkansas competitive in attracting advanced manufacturing amid a nationwide push to localize supply chains.
Strategic role in US infrastructure resilience
Welspun’s expanded capabilities arrive at a critical time for U.S. infrastructure planning. Federal programs such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act are fueling demand for domestically sourced materials and energy-ready pipe systems.
By increasing its domestic pipe manufacturing footprint, Welspun is contributing to reduced reliance on imports, helping to secure the supply of vital infrastructure components. The LSAW mill’s flexibility will also make it easier for project developers to procure pipe without long lead times or overseas shipping risks.
The company’s Arkansas operations are also set up to support emerging energy systems, including hydrogen distribution and carbon capture, aligning with broader climate and energy transition goals.
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