Phillip McWane Shares how McWane, Inc. Became a Global Leader

RCB President Bruce Rogers with Rotarian Phillip McWane

During the July 17th meeting, the Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) welcomed Rotarian Phillip McWane, McWane, Inc. Chairman. He shared an overview of the four-generation family company and how it has become a global leader in crafting ductile iron products, including pipes, valves, fittings, fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, pressure vessels and poles. McWane highlighted the company's critical role in delivering safe and clean water worldwide and its commitment to responsible practices that have significantly enhanced community infrastructure across the world.

Bio for phillip mcwane

Phillip McWane, a graduate in industrial management from Auburn University, has dedicated more than three decades to steering McWane, Inc. As a global leader in crafting ductile iron products, McWane, Inc. plays a critical role in delivering safe and clean water worldwide. Under his leadership, the multi-billion-dollar enterprise has become synonymous with safety, sustainability, and ethically responsible practices. The company’s products, renowned for their superior quality and reliable performance, have significantly enhanced community infrastructure across the world.

As chairman, McWane oversees more than 6,000 employees in 25 manufacturing locations worldwide, including the US, Canada, China, India and Australia. As the fourth-generation leader of McWane, Inc., the Birmingham, Alabama native manages the company’s extensive product portfolio, which includes ductile pipes, soil pipes, valves, fittings, fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, pressure vessels and poles.

In addition to fostering an organizational philosophy founded on core values of safety and environmental performance, McWane, Inc. is known for its company culture that prioritizes communication, relationships, and work performance—a culture known as “The McWane Way”. The organization’s emphasis on environmental stewardship and principled operations has successfully integrated sustainable practices and responsible business conduct, promoting a safe workforce and establishing industry standards in the process.

Beyond his business endeavors, McWane is a noted philanthropist and children’s advocate. He has served on the boards of Children’s Hospital of Alabama, the Sloss Furnaces Foundation, the McWane Science Center, the PreSchool Partners Advisory Board, and the Birmingham Business Alliance Executive Committee. He actively participates in the Birmingham Rotary Club and is a member of Leadership Alabama.