For more than a century, cast iron has set the standard for strength, durability, and longevity in underground utility systems. It remains the material of choice for critical access points like valve boxes, curb boxes, and meter lids—especially in high-traffic and heavy-load environments.
But not all cast iron is created equal.
Today, the difference between American-made cast iron and imported alternatives is more important than ever. From quality and compliance to delivery timelines and environmental impact, domestically produced cast iron offers long-term advantages that imported materials simply can’t match.
With superior compressive strength and natural durability, cast iron outperforms plastics and composites in demanding applications:
In the field, cast iron’s extended service life—often exceeding 100 years—makes it the trusted material for reliability-focused installations
The Domestic Advantage: Why Made in America Matters
At Bingham & Taylor, all of our cast iron products are manufactured 100% in the United States, offering unmatched benefits in quality, compliance, and performance.
U.S. foundries follow strict ASTM and municipal standards. That means:
In contrast, imported cast iron is frequently reported to be:
Commonly heard complaints about imported cast iron:
“We had to throw out 10–15% of the shipment.”
“The lids don’t fit—or crack the first winter.”
“We waited 16 weeks for a shipment that arrived damaged.”
“One batch fits. The next one doesn’t. No consistency.”
Our American-made cast iron products meet all requirements under:
Using compliant materials ensures eligibility for federally funded infrastructure projects.
Imported parts often lack verifiable documentation or traceability, making them risky—or disqualified—for use on public infrastructure jobs.
Unlike global shipments that face weeks of delays and potential customs issues, our domestic operations provide:
Every Bingham & Taylor cast iron product is:
Trying to save money by choosing imported cast iron often leads to bigger—and costlier—problems:
At Bingham & Taylor, all our cast iron products are manufactured 100% in the United States, offering unmatched benefits in quality, compliance, and performance. With over 175 years of industry leadership, Bingham & Taylor’s cast iron products are the foundation of water and gas infrastructure across the country.
Trusted for:
Choosing the right material starts with understanding your options. Download our free guide, “Choosing the Right Materials for Underground Utility Access,” to compare cast iron, plastic, and hybrid CIP products for your next project.