Company Overview

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of water management solutions, primarily serving the stormwater management, wastewater, onsite septic, and drainage infrastructure markets. The company operates within the building products and infrastructure materials industries, supplying thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water control products used in commercial, residential, agricultural, and infrastructure applications. Its core value proposition centers on lightweight, durable, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional concrete and steel drainage systems.

The company’s primary revenue drivers include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene pipe systems, water detention and retention solutions, and allied drainage products. Advanced Drainage Systems is recognized for its scale, vertically integrated manufacturing model, and extensive distribution network across North America. Founded in 1966, the company initially focused on agricultural drainage and gradually expanded into stormwater and infrastructure solutions, culminating in its public listing in 2014. Over time, it has evolved into one of the largest plastic drainage pipe manufacturers in the United States.

Business Operations

Advanced Drainage Systems operates through three primary business segments: Pipe, Infiltrator, and International. The Pipe segment represents the majority of revenue and includes stormwater and drainage pipe products sold to construction, infrastructure, and agricultural markets. The Infiltrator segment focuses on onsite wastewater treatment systems, including septic chambers and related products, primarily serving residential and light commercial customers. The International segment includes pipe and water management products sold outside the United States, primarily in Canada and Mexico.

The company maintains a vertically integrated operating model, controlling resin procurement, manufacturing, and distribution through a network of domestic and international facilities. It owns numerous manufacturing plants, regional distribution centers, and recycling operations that support cost efficiency and supply chain resilience. Key subsidiaries include Infiltrator Water Technologies, which operates as a distinct brand within the organization and contributes meaningfully to profitability.

Strategic Position & Investments

Advanced Drainage Systems’ strategy emphasizes organic growth through infrastructure spending, product innovation, and market share gains in stormwater management, as well as selective acquisitions that expand product offerings or geographic reach. The company has invested heavily in recycled materials technology, positioning itself as a sustainability-focused supplier while reducing raw material costs. This recycling capability is a notable competitive advantage within the drainage products industry.

Recent strategic investments have focused on expanding manufacturing capacity, automation, and digital tools to support contractors and engineers. The company has also completed bolt-on acquisitions to enhance specialty drainage solutions and downstream product integration. Emerging areas of focus include climate-resilient infrastructure, water quality treatment systems, and solutions aligned with increased public infrastructure funding in the United States.

Geographic Footprint

Advanced Drainage Systems is headquartered in Hilliard, Ohio, and operates primarily across North America. The company maintains an extensive manufacturing and distribution presence throughout the United States, with facilities strategically located near key construction and agricultural markets. This domestic footprint accounts for the majority of revenue and operational activity.

Internationally, the company operates manufacturing and sales facilities in Canada and Mexico, serving regional infrastructure, agricultural, and residential markets. While international operations represent a smaller portion of total revenue compared to the U.S., they provide diversification and exposure to long-term infrastructure development trends outside the domestic market.

Leadership & Governance

Advanced Drainage Systems was founded by Joseph A. Chlapaty, who played a central role in shaping the company’s long-term focus on manufacturing scale and operational efficiency. The current leadership team emphasizes disciplined capital allocation, sustainability, and customer-centric innovation, supported by governance practices aligned with public company standards and regulatory oversight.

Key executives include:

• Donald Barbour – President and Chief Executive Officer
• Scott Barbour – Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
• Albert F. Schlosser – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Mark J. Sullivan – Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing
• Scott B. Hill – Senior Vice President, Recycling and Sustainability

The leadership team’s strategic vision centers on profitable growth, operational excellence, and expanding the company’s role in modern water infrastructure systems while maintaining strong environmental and governance practices.