New pipe factory owner James “Jim” Burns (left) pauses for a photo with Max Haynes, long-time employee and general manager of the company, International Pipes and Accessories.

New owner takes over pipe factory effective Jan. 27

Sparta Industries, a division of Lane Limited, was sold to a new company, International Pipes and Accessories LLC on Jan. 27. The new owner of the plant, James B. “Jim” Burns, is a native of New Zealand who plans to live in this county and grow the business, he said in an interview on Monday. Burns, who is still a New Zealand national along with his wife Kathryn, currently leases a home in Olde Beau Golf and Country Club, but hopes to buy here and make Alleghany County his permanent home. The couple have two children, a 26-year-old son, James, who makes his home in New Zealand, and a 23-year-old daughter, Penelope, who lives in Sydney, Australia.

Burns was most recently employed by Lane Limited, from which he purchased the Sparta pipe factory — the largest pipe manufacturing facility in the world, he pointed out.

The company produces and distributes about 300,000 Dr. Graybow Pipes per year, along with filters and Dills Pipe Cleaners. The company also distributes Denicotea cigarette filters. Burns noted that Lane Limited has agreed to continue using the plant as a distribution center for its tobacco products, at least for another 12 months.

“After that, it’s up to them,” said Burns. However, he noted the distribution wing of the business, which helps furnish about 19 jobs here, is more than welcome to continue indefinitely.

“I’ve guaranteed everyone in that side of the plant a full-year’s employment,” he said. “After that, we’ll see what happens.”

The remainder of the plant, which produces pipes, pipe cleaners and filter products and employs about 41 people, will continue on as usual. “There has been a long-term decline in pipe smoking, but business here seems to have stabilized,” Burns said. “In fact, demand seems quite robust.” Burns pointed out that the company is currently working overtime on Saturdays to meet demand.

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