More than 40 years ago ADS observed the cumbersome and ineffective materials being used for drainage and surface water control (click here to download the 40th anniversary brochure). Recognizing the importance of managing our nation's water resources, ADS researched and developed a structurally superior corrugated polyethylene pipe that was perfectly suited for subsurface drainage.
Introduced in the United States in 1966, this plastic pipe proved to be far superior to the materials in use at the time. Its many advantages included lightweight construction for easy handling, high resistance to corrosion and abrasion, and strength and durability to withstand severe loading conditions. It was not surprising that the ADS pipe soon became the clear choice for applications in agriculture, mining, forestry, recreation, and civil engineered construction projects.
Our commitment to the drainage industry is reflected by several significant technological innovations. In 1982 ADS announced the introduction of a new 18" and 24" pipe. These larger-diameter products were described as "the most important advancement since ADS introduced corrugated plastic pipe in the United States 15 years ago." These new sizes dramatically enhanced the company's ability to compete against the construction materials traditionally used for larger diameter applications.
In a similar time frame ADS introduced their SB2 pipe for use in gravelless leach bed fields, Grain-Aire for aeration of grain and other commodities in storage, and product applications pertaining to geothermal and hazardous waste.
 In an effort to improve flow characteristics for storm sewer applications, the company concentrated their engineering resources towards the development of a large diameter pipe with a smooth interior. This product was introduced in 1987 and was instantly successful. Named N-12 in reference to a hydraulic calculation, the smooth-interior pipe had all the performance characteristics of the standard corrugated pipe but with improved flow capacity. Following engineering evaluations and field testing, the N-12 pipe quickly proved to be superior to concrete, corrugated metal, and other drainage materials.
The science of materials engineering has totally changed the complexion of many U.S. industries. Nowhere is this more evident than in the construction market, where plastics are outperforming and outlasting traditional metal and mineral materials in a wide range of applications.
Without doubt, the workhorse of construction plastics is High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). And the company that has led the development of HDPE for drainage products is Advanced Drainage Systems, with a record of painstaking research and breakthrough applications dating back to the 1960s.
At ADS, we have seen the enormous cost of rebuilding yesterday's infrastructure as metals and concrete complete their often limited service life. Today, the engineered plastic system is a reality, providing better hydraulic performance, extended service life, and reductions in installation and maintenance costs. Tomorrow, you will continue to see new products and applications from ADS, the world leader in HDPE drainage systems.
Our total commitment to quality products and uncompromising customer service has made us the largest, most experienced manufacturer of corrugated polyethylene pipe products in the world.
A brief timeline of ADS Achievements:
- 1967
ADS launches production of 4-inch diameter corrugated pipe
- 1978
ADS expands product offering with 24-inch diameter pipe
- 1982
ADS introduces 18 and 24-inch pipe, SB2 pipe for use in gravel-less leach bed fields and Grain Aire for silage aeration.
- 1987
ADS leaps forward with N-12, a breakthrough product combining the strength and durability of a corrugated polyethylene pipe exterior with the first-of-its-kind smooth interior to improve flow capacity. This opened up markets in highway drainage, storm sewers, and industry.
- 1988
ADS introduces the vertical slimline design of AdvanEDGE drainage pipe, which cuts installation costs dramatically. Noted for exceptional strength under extreme conditions, it is used extensively along roadways, railroads, and runways and under golf courses and stadia.
- 1994
ADS revolutionizes large diameter polyethylene pipe with the introduction of N-12 in 42 and 48-inch diameters in a unique closed-profile design.
- 1996
ADS sets another precedent with ADS 3000, the strongest, lightest triple-wall product on the market, exceeding competing polyethylene products and similar products of PVC.
- 1997
ADS announces a new series of corrugated pipe with an integral bell joint that eliminates the need for a separate fitting or coupler.
- 1999
ADS Centroamérica joint venture established.
- 2000
ADS Méxicana joint venture established.
- 2001
Using aerospace technology, ADS introduces the addition of the watertight joint to its N-12 line of pipe. N-12 WT has a strip of a ceramic/polymer composite fused to its inline bell, creating a watertight solution for the best pipe in the industry.
- 2001
Purchase of PSA BioDiffuser™ and Nyloplast® Inc.
- 2002
Chile Plant (International) opens.
- 2002
Production of 60" N-12 pipe.
- 2003
StormTech® joint venture is established.
- 2006
ADS celebrates 40 years of providing water management solutions.
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