Atlanta-based Mueller Water Products has announced it will close the U.S. Pipe and Foundry in North Birmingham by March 31. The plant produces ductile pipe used in water systems. The company blames the economic downturn and its markets for the closure. Production will shifted to more modern U.S. Pipe plants in Bessemer and Union City, California. The Bessemer plant is said to have a new automated process for producing pipe. Mueller CEO Gregory E. Hyland says closing the North Birmingham plant will bring the company's manufacturing capacity in line with demand.