British ‘pigging’ firm picks Fishers for regional HQ

A U.K.-based firm that helps manufacturers reduce waste and cut production-changeover times is establishing its North American outpost in Fishers, taking advantage of the central location to grow its reach.

HPS-Product Recovery Systems already counts Coca-Cola, Kraft, Proctor & Gamble and Unilever among its customers, and local boss Jim Rowe said the company is ready to make a major push for new business.

“We’re gaining great traction,” he said.

Short for Hygienic Pigging Systems, HPS developed technology that allows manufacturers to empty liquid products from their production lines more quickly than the typical flushing process—and retain more of it at the same time.

The company does that by forcing a patented, flexible projectile—a pig, in industry parlance—through the pipeline, clearing it along the way.

The name comes from the oil and gas industry, where the projectiles make a pig-like squealing sound as they move through the pipeline.

Rowe will oversee sales from the new HPS office at Launch Fishers. A second employee will oversee customer care and support.