Walter Industries Inc. will close its U.S. Pipe operation in Chattanooga, TN, sometime next year. The plant manufactures valve and hydrant products, and those activities will be transferred to Mueller Water Products plants in Chattanooga and Albertville, AL.

The Chattanooga plant also produces large iron fittings, and an alternative production capability is still be in determined according to Walter Industries.

Mueller was acquired by Walter in a $1.91-billion merger completed in October. The consolidated group is a leading producer of water infrastructure, flow control, and water transmission products. Among its brand names are Mueller, U.S. Pipe, James Jones, Hersey Meters, Henry Pratt, and Anvil.

Walter Industries stated that the closing is part of its plan to integrate the Mueller and U.S. Pipe organizations and achieve the benefits intended for the merger.