Usalco Opens New $17 Million Water Treatment Plant in California
Usalco, LLC, a leading chemical manufacturer based in Baltimore, announced the grand opening of its newest production facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California yesterday, marking a major expansion to serve Southern California’s urgent water treatment needs.
This facility represents the company’s 27th U.S. manufacturing plant and a strategic investment of approximately $17 million designed to improve regional access to critical specialty coagulants used in municipal and industrial water treatment. Southern California, facing population growth and increasing infrastructure demands, has struggled with supply chain and service challenges for water treatment chemicals—gaps that Usalco’s new plant aims to close immediately.
Boosting Regional Water Security Amid Growing Challenges
Ken Gayer, Usalco’s CEO, emphasized the plant’s critical role in strengthening local water infrastructure.
“The opening of our Rancho Cucamonga facility marks a meaningful milestone for Usalco and reinforces our long-term commitment to supporting water infrastructure in the Western United States,”
said Gayer.
He pointed out that the plant’s local production capability enhances supply reliability for customers confronting water scarcity and increasingly complex contaminant removal requirements. The facility complements Usalco’s existing operations in Modesto, California, expanding the company’s footprint to better meet urgent regional demands.
Terry Waldo, Usalco’s Chief Commercial Officer, stressed the advantage of proximity for customers:
“This facility supports our customers by placing advanced treatment solutions closer to their location. Local production and technical partnership help utilities and industries improve treatment performance while maintaining efficient and reliable supply chains.”
Investment Creates Local Jobs and Strengthens Western Supply Network
Construction of the Rancho Cucamonga plant began in September 2025 and the facility now employs six skilled professionals specializing in chemical production and logistics. It serves as a vital supply hub for water treatment customers across Southern California and neighboring states, improving delivery speed and operational consistency.
Jason James, Usalco’s COO, highlighted the operational success:
“This project strengthens our western manufacturing network and improves our ability to serve customers quickly and consistently. The team delivered this facility while maintaining the operating standards our customers expect.”
Why This Matters Now for U.S. Water Infrastructure
Water scarcity and contamination issues have intensified across the Western US, driving up the demand for advanced chemical solutions in treatment plants. Usalco’s new Rancho Cucamonga facility is a timely response offering local municipal and industrial operators more reliable access to specialized coagulants that improve purification and contaminant removal.
For Delaware and the broader United States, water infrastructure investments like this highlight the growing national priority on addressing water quality and supply challenges. Enhanced production capabilities across key regions bolster overall resilience and environmental safety.
As water demands rise under climate pressure and population growth, rapid expansions such as Usalco’s newest plant signal a necessary shift toward localized manufacturing and strengthened supply chains in critical sectors.
Readers can expect Usalco to continue enhancing its Western US footprint and potentially announce further regional expansions to address evolving water treatment needs.
