NWPX Infrastructure has deployed its patent‑pending Permalok® Radial Bending Joint (RBJ) for the first time in a commercial water‑pipeline project, enabling steel casing pipe to be laid along a curved path in microtunneling operations. The RBJ was installed on the South Hillsborough Pipeline project, a $505.7 million effort that will deliver up to 65 million gallons of water per day to southern Hillsborough County.
The project will use 5,764 linear feet of Permalok® steel casing pipe and includes 18 underground crossings. By allowing the pipe to follow a curved trajectory, the RBJ eliminates the need for additional shafts, reduces the job‑site footprint, and shortens the overall tunneling distance. These efficiencies translate into lower capital costs and faster construction timelines for the utility owner, Tampa Bay Water.
NWPX’s CEO, Scott Montross, said the RBJ “revolutionizes microtunneling. For the first time, steel casing pipe can be installed along a curved path in trenchless applications with ease.” The technology is a key component of NWPX’s broader strategy to expand its trenchless product line and capture a larger share of the growing U.S. water infrastructure market, which is projected to reach $200 billion by 2030.
The RBJ’s introduction positions NWPX ahead of competitors that rely on straight‑pipe microtunneling, giving the company a technical advantage in congested urban environments. The company’s recent backlog of $348 million for its Water Transmission Systems segment and $56 million in the Precast Infrastructure and Engineered Systems segment underscore the demand for advanced trenchless solutions. The RBJ is expected to open new revenue streams and enhance margins by reducing labor and equipment requirements on future projects.
While the announcement does not include immediate financial results, the deployment signals a potential cost‑saving catalyst for NWPX’s customers and a competitive differentiator that could drive future orders. The technology’s successful field use also validates NWPX’s investment in research and development, reinforcing investor confidence in the company’s innovation pipeline.
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