GF Central Plastics announced the opening of its new 150,000 sq. ft. metals manufacturing facility in Shawnee, Oklahoma. This expansion aims to support the separation of metals and plastics production, enhance operational efficiency, and positions GF for continued growth in the natural gas sector.

GF Central Plastics currently operates a 500,000 sq. ft. production, manufacturing, and sales facility in Shawnee, where both metals and plastics portfolios have historically been produced. The new metals facility, located on Wolverine Road, will house the production of natural gas meter sets, risers, and transition fittings. This move provides much-needed space at the original location to expand the plastics portfolio, while the new facility allows room for future metals growth.

Project Timeline Highlights of the New Facility:

• Plant design and engineering: October 2023 – December 2024
• Construction: January 2024 – September 2025
• Occupancy granted: September 15, 2025
• Relocation and installation of metals equipment: September 2025 – March 2026
• Project completion: April 1, 2026

The grand opening ceremony on October 17, 2025, welcomed approximately 200 attendees, including employees, state and city officials, construction partners and community leaders. Featured speakers included Bryan Lucas, president and managing director of GF Central Plastics; James Jackson, head of business unit Americas (GF); Eric Stephens, Mayor of Shawnee; and John Budd, CEO of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Construction partners for this project included TAP Architecture, Entegrity Energy Partners, Coalign Group, Cedar Creek Inc. and Evans General Contractors.

Significantly, the new metals facility has earned LEED Gold certification, making GF Central Plastics one of only two manufacturers in Oklahoma to achieve this prestigious rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Together, GF Central Plastics’ Shawnee facilities employ approximately 1,000 people, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting local employment while delivering high-quality solutions for the gas utility industry.

“This expansion represents a strategic investment in our metals and plastics operations, allowing us to better serve our customers in the natural gas sector while continuing to innovate sustainably,” said Bryan Lucas, president and managing director of GF Central Plastics. "Achieving LEED Gold certification underscores our commitment to responsible growth and to the Shawnee community that has supported us for more than six decades.”