This past November, Titeflex Corp. installed its third CSST production line, adding five million feet in annual tube production. A fourth line was fully operational on April 1, with two additional lines planned for installation prior to the fourth quarter. Once fully implemented, the new lines will double Gastite's CSST production capacity, from 15 million feet to 30 million feet.

The equipment expansion reflects the dramatic growth in market demand for CSST in the U.S. Introduced to the American market in 1991, annual CSST shipments rose to approximately 33 million feet in 1999, up more than 50% from an estimated 22 million feet in 1998, and more than triple the 10 million feet shipped in 1996.

The company also announced the promotion of Duane Shooltz to Vice President and General Manager of its Gastite Division, which manufactures CSST flexible gas piping systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications. At the same time, Gastite promoted National Sales Manager Carmin Lattell to Director of Sales and Marketing, reporting to Shooltz.