Maverick Tube Corp. announced that it will locate its new, state-of-the-art Republic Conduit facility in Louisville, Ky., pending receipt of applicable permits.

Construction activities are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2005 and to be completed by the end of 2005. This consolidation of Republic Conduit's operations in Louisville beginning in 2006 is expected to improve access to customers, reduce freight and operating costs, improve efficiency and increase the company’s production capacity.

Scott Harris, Maverick's Vice President and General Manager of the Republic Conduit operations said, "Maverick is excited to be locating our new facility in the Louisville area. Louisville offers a mixture of great people, great values and a vibrant community. We appreciate the hard work and cooperation we have received from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the City of Louisville, Greater Louisville Inc. and Jefferson Riverport International in making this opportunity available. We look forward to getting better acquainted with our neighbors in the community and working with them."

The proposed facility is expected to employ about 240 individuals, and includes the purchase of 50 acres of land and the construction of a new 400,000 square foot building in the Jefferson Riverport Park. The total cost of the new facility, including land, building and equipment, is expected to be about $63 million.

Maverick Tube Corp. is a St. Louis, Miss., based manufacturer of tubular products used in the energy industry for drilling, production, well servicing and line pipe applications, as well as industrial tubing products (HSS, electrical conduit and standard pipe) used in various applications.